The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) launched their first-ever summit in Brussels, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and strengthening their partnership in light of current global geopolitical challenges.
This summit offers both blocs a chance to deepen ties, with discussions centred around addressing global issues, fostering economic collaboration, and improving trade, investment, energy, sustainability, and communications.
The EU noted that relations with the GCC are rooted in a 1989 cooperation agreement, which established regular dialogue on topics such as economic relations, climate change, energy, and research.
In February 2022, GCC and EU foreign ministers agreed on a joint cooperation program for 2022-27, which was updated in October 2023 to reflect new areas of collaboration.
