Iran, Ukraine and energy security are dominating talks at the first-ever European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, which opened in Brussels on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman joined five other Gulf leaders for the historic meeting with EU heads of state, raising hopes for a stronger partnership between the two blocs.
The summit comes as conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon intensify, with fears growing of a wider regional war.
"One of the objectives is to avoid a general conflagration," a senior EU official told the French news agency AFP – referring to the escalating violence between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Shared concerns
While energy, trade, and climate are on the table, the main focus is the Middle East. Both sides are seeking ways to prevent the crisis from spiralling further.
"We share the same concerns about peace and security in the whole region," said Josep Borrell, the EU's chief diplomat.
The Gulf states have traditionally been Western allies but have developed closer ties with Iran in recent years, complicating their position.
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Nevertheless, the EU sees them as key players in addressing the violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
The European Union has called for a ceasefire, and Gulf nations have long advocated for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
"The Saudis are a driving force within the GCC," Abdullah Baabood, of the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Centre, told European political publication The Parliament.
"Having him there will help the relationship."
Trade talks
The GCC and the EU have been in discussions for decades about a free trade deal, but negotiations have stalled since 2008.
Despite this, the EU remains the second-largest trading partner for the Gulf region, with total trade in goods last year valued at €170 billion.
With Europe aiming to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas amid the war in Ukraine, the summit is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen energy ties.
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Human Rights Watch has urged EU leaders to address political repression, free expression, and labour rights with their Gulf counterparts.
The official summit agenda, however, makes no mention of these concerns.
"EU leaders should make it clear that the release of critics and progress on human rights are vital for bilateral relations," said Claudio Francavilla, associate EU director at Human Rights Watch.
The outcome of the summit will set the tone for future cooperation between the EU and the GCC in both economic and security matters.
(With newswires)
