Egypt Daily News – The first summit between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) marks a significant diplomatic effort aimed at addressing escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly concerning the situations in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Held in Brussels on October 16, 2024, this historic gathering brought together leaders from the EU and the six GCC member states—Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
During the summit, the leaders expressed “grave concern” over the current conflicts and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the summit as a chance to mobilize diplomatic efforts to prevent a larger escalation of violence.
Moreover, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, underscoring the summit’s potential to strengthen historical ties between Europe and the Gulf.
In addition to conflict resolution, the summit also addressed other pressing issues such as trade, energy policies, and climate change, reflecting a multifaceted approach to cooperation.
The two parties agreed to revive stalled discussions regarding a free trade agreement, with plans to meet every two years, the next summit scheduled for 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
The geopolitical implications of the summit were significant, as Brussels sought strong condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
While the final statement acknowledged the challenges presented by the Russian military aggression, the language used was more cautious and focused primarily on affirming state sovereignty and the need for adherence to international law—without heavily criticizing specific nations.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, observers noted the potential hypocrisy in the EU’s positions on international law. Critics pointed out that while the EU has condemned Russia for its actions in Ukraine, similar accountability appears to be lacking concerning Israel’s military activities in Gaza.
This inconsistency raised questions about the credibility of the EU’s calls for international justice.
Furthermore, emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in areas such as clean technology and renewable energy, tapping into the GCC’s critical mineral resources necessary for a transition to a greener economy.
In light of ongoing global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and regional conflicts, the summit represents a pivotal moment in EU-GCC relations, reflecting a commitment to both economic collaboration and geopolitical stability.
