Nearly a year after the first Gulf–European summit in Brussels gave an unprecedented boost to relations, the two sides have expanded cooperation in political and security fields, particularly in maritime security, counterterrorism, and nuclear non-proliferation.
Luigi Di Maio, the European Union’s special representative for the Gulf region, said the partnership with Gulf countries was of utmost importance, adding that both sides were preparing for the next summit, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2026, by renewing momentum and strengthening coordination across key areas.
Di Maio recently met with Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim in Brussels, sharing updates on joint efforts through his official account on X.
Partnership of Utmost Importance
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat at the conclusion of the Gulf–EU meetings hosted by Kuwait, Di Maio said both blocs were eager to resume free trade agreement talks and expand cooperation in digital transformation, transport, and space exploration.
The partnership with the Gulf is of utmost importance, Di Maio said, adding that there is a clear recognition that the Gulf is a neighboring region for the European Union, and that mutual interests in areas such as trade, security, energy, and innovation are shared.
He said that both the EU and Gulf states serve as pillars of stability, committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, amid an increasingly unstable and uncertain regional and global environment.
Working as blocs
From a European perspective, Di Maio noted that the main challenge in EU-Gulf relations was learning to work on a “bloc-to-bloc” basis.
Both the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council were originally designed as frameworks for internal cooperation rather than tools for external action, he noted.
While many EU member states have longstanding bilateral ties with Gulf countries, institutional cooperation between the EU and GCC is relatively new, added Di Maio, underlining that, despite remarkable progress, there is still much to be done.
Productive meetings in Kuwait
The EU envoy described the outcomes of both the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and the joint ministerial council as “highly positive.”
At a time of heightened tensions, it was crucial to hold frank and direct discussions on vital issues such as Gaza and Ukraine, he said. The meetings helped renew momentum for cooperation a year after the first Gulf–European summit, setting the stage for the next in Riyadh in 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role
Di Maio underscored Saudi Arabia’s pivotal diplomatic role, not only in the Middle East but also in Europe, particularly regarding Ukraine.
As for Gaza, he said, the Kingdom has been Europe’s main partner in launching the Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution, which led to several European and Western countries recognizing the State of Palestine during the latest UN General Assembly session.
The immediate priority remains achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and ending the humanitarian crisis, stressed Di Maio.
The European Union and Saudi Arabia have welcomed the peace initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza and expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington on its implementation, he affirmed.
Di Maio also stressed that upholding the two-state solution was vital at a time when international legitimacy is under threat and the global order is facing serious challenges, adding that the EU deeply values Saudi Arabia’s role in defending these shared principles.
Visa exemption efforts
Asked about efforts to exempt Gulf nationals from Schengen visas, Di Maio said the EU took a major step last year by systematically granting five-year Schengen visas to applicants from GCC countries, the only region in the world to benefit from this rule.
During the last summit, the EU and GCC agreed to work together toward a reciprocal, visa-free travel regime that is safe and mutually beneficial, he said.
The political will exists, but the process is complex and lengthy, requiring coordination and approval from all EU member states.
Di Maio pointed to the European Commission currently drafting a new visa strategy to clarify the bloc’s overall approach.
Everyone recognizes the significant benefits that visa exemptions bring in facilitating people-to-people movement, he said, adding that he was optimistic that both sides will realize the mutual advantages such a system offers.
Next steps
Di Maio said the first Gulf–EU summit in Brussels had set a new benchmark for relations and “significantly raised ambitions.”
In just one year, political and security ties have deepened remarkably through new cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and nuclear non-proliferation, he said.
This is an impressive achievement, given the difficult regional and global context in which both the EU and GCC operate.
He revealed that Kuwait would host the GCC-EU Business Forum next month, an important opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies from both sides to meet, exchange ideas, and develop partnerships.
He said he was confident that between now and the next summit, tangible progress in connecting the two regions will be seen.
Launching bilateral strategic partnership talks between the EU and individual Gulf countries will further broaden and deepen cooperation across multiple fields, he reaffirmed.
