Commission welcomes EU mandate to start negotiations with GCC countries

The European Commission and the High Representative welcome the Council’s decision authorising them to enter into negotiations with each of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with the aim of concluding bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs).

The aim of the SPAs is to provide for an ambitious, modern, comprehensive and effective framework for bilateral cooperation tailored to the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and each respective GCC partner.

This is in line with the efforts to enhance relations with GCC partners set out in the 2022 Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf and the October 2024 EU–GCC Summit in Brussels.

The negotiation frameworks cover a wide range of topics, including foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, environment, connectivity, education, research and innovation, culture, and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

The SPAs will mark a turning point in the relations with Gulf partners, being truly strategic partnerships, addressing common challenges and harnessing joint opportunities across the rapidly evolving Middle East region.

Next steps

Negotiations will start as soon as possible. The order and pace of negotiations will follow the expression of interest from the side of the partners.

Background

SPAs reflect the EU’s commitment to deepening engagement with the Gulf region and responding to partners’ calls for comprehensive and robust partnerships. This process will complement existing EU–GCC cooperation frameworks, including ongoing regional and bilateral negotiations on Free Trade Agreements.

More information: European Commission