The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the 27 member states of the European Union held their first-ever summit in the Belgian capital, Brussels, which is a genuine historic opportunity to develop a closer partnership between the two sides.
The summit is exceptionally significant for two reasons: the two sides’ geopolitical partnership and its timing. Indeed, no one is short on fear and uncertainty with regard to recent political developments - or rather, political setbacks - that could precipitate the worst in both the GCC and the European Union, are prevalent.
This was the first time that leaders of the European Union and the GCC held a summit since they signed a cooperation agreement in 1989, which set a framework for a regular dialogue between the two sides with the aim of expanding trade and investment. The summit is a critical historic opportunity to enhance their strategic partnership and fortify ties, especially in light of the challenges facing the region and the world.
From a diplomatic perspective, the summit helps to bridge gaps, align paths, and diversify approaches amid a resurgence of toxic ideologies that could set international relations back.
A significant step forward seems to have been taken toward furthering the interests of the two blocs that share historical ties and contemporary objectives, fears, and concerns.
With regard to Europe, one can say that there is a deep desire to build new friendships that allow the Old Continent to assert itself globally, especially as it seeks to isolate Russia.
One cannot fail to notice the Gulf region lies at a crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa either, nor its crucial role in containing many of the crises unfolding today.
Since Russia’s military operations in Ukraine began two years ago, the European Union has been engaging with other regional blocs. It held its first-ever summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was followed by a summit with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Is Europe worried about something?
In truth, several concerns are troubling the Europeans and keeping them up at night. The raging Tsar to the East has become a real worry, especially given Europe’s support for the Kyiv regime. To the West, they are apprehensive about domestic upheaval in the United States, which may, to some extent, cut the cord with Europe if former President Donald Trump is voted back into the White House on November 5.
The European Union sees the GCC as a bloc they can work with on a broad array of issues. They are particularly keen on energy cooperation, including the import of gas and oil. It is no secret that the deteriorating relations between Russia and the EU have created significant burdens for EU countries and hindered their ability to meet their energy needs. As winter approaches, with environmental and climate scientists predicting a harshly cold season this year, those burdens are set to get worse.
The Europeans see the leaders of Gulf states as politically aware and enlightened. They recognize that the GCC has adeptly pursued a balanced approach to calibrating their ties to global capitals and decision-making centers, ensuring that they are not dependent on any single entity.
They are fully aware of how the Gulf states' relations with Russia and China are part of this framework, and no one expects any of the six GCC capitals to sever their ties with Moscow or Beijing. Indeed, the Europeans are dealing with this reality as it is and trying to create balance, albeit out of political pragmatism.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, succinctly explained the principle objective of the summit from the European perspective: "Our message is clear: we are ready to act more and more together in facing common challenges."
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership of the Saudi Arabian delegation invigorated both sides and their efforts to take swift action to address the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East.
Saudi diplomacy understands that the absence of a coherent shared European position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to which different EU countries often take contradictory positions, is a major obstacle hindering the European Union’s ability to place a more significant role in the geopolitics of the Middle East.
To understand Riyadh's geostrategic weight in the present day, we need to look no further than the many statements of European officials stressing the need for Saudi re-engagement with Lebanon and salvage the situation there.
The Gulf summit in Europe is, in any case, a chance to deepen mutual cultural exchange, and it opens the door to ending the specter of a clash of civilizations and creating new opportunities to build bridges around the "Great Sea," as the Arabs once called the Mediterranean.
