EU and GCC to strengthen relations at leaders' summit in Riyadh
The European Union hopes to deepen security and energy relations with Gulf countries at the second leaders' summit in Riyadh next month. Since the start of the Iran war on February 28, Europe has cast itself as a solid ally to the Gulf , despite being unable to match superior US military capabilities. “In the current geopolitical context, there is an opportunity for deeper and more ambitious…
The European Union is set to strengthen its ties with Gulf countries during the second leaders summit in Riyadh next month. The EU views this opportunity as a chance to deepen and more ambitious partnerships with Gulf nations, despite lacking the US military capabilities. European Council President Antonio Costa wrote in a letter of invitation to Gulf and EU leaders that the summit will focus on key regional issues such as peace and security, connectivity, trade, economic cooperation, energy, and mobility.
The Houthi-Saudi conflict has escalated, with France, the UK, Turkey, and Pakistan sending military support to Riyadh. The EU's presence at the summit is expected to signal support to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states affected by regional instability. The EU is the second-largest trading partner of the GCC countries, with a 30% increase in trade over the past decade.
Aspides, the EU's defensive maritime mission, is being reinforced to increase its credibility for the summit.
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