Key highlights from inaugural EU-GCC Summit in Brussels

The Belgian capital of Brussels hosted the first EU-GCC Summit on October 16 under the theme “Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity“. European Council President Charles Michel and Emir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad co-chaired the event.

The inaugural Summit proved to be an opportunity to develop closer partnerships. During the opening session, Michel noted that the EU and GCC countries share a common goal – to promote development and to generate more prosperity.

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Highlights from inaugural EU-GCC Summit

1. During the Summit, the EU and GCC leaders agreed to put in efforts together into promoting global and regional security and prosperity, including preventing the emergence and escalation of brutal conflicts and using dialogue and coordination to resolve crises.

2. The leaders also noted the need for a strategic trade and investment partnership. The EU remains the second-largest trade partner for the GCC countries. Both regions seek to tap into the opportunities offered by an enhanced business and investment environment.

3. During the first EU-GCC Summit on October 16, the participants committed to intensifying their energy cooperation and scaling up action to address the serious crises triggered by climate change and biodiversity loss.

4. The EU and GCC countries are seeking improved results at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku in November. There is a decision on climate finance to be made. It should take into account the Paris agreement and needs of developing countries.

5. In an effort to create a better digital arena for future generations, both sides also committed to explore cooperation in the digital economy, telecommunications, advanced technologies, and innovation and space, as per official reports.

6. The participants also noted the need to further enhance people-to-people contacts by prioritising safe and mutually beneficial visa-free travel arrangement. They also confirmed their determination to enhancing global stability and peace.

7. The next EU-GCC Summit is going to happen after a couple of years in Saudi Arabia in 2026. The EU-GCC relations are based on a cooperation agreement signed in 1989. The deal establishes regular dialogue and an EU-GCC Joint Council at foreign minister level.