Brussels hosts first EU-GCC Summit on October 16: Highlights

The inaugural European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council (EU-GCC) Summit took place in the Belgian capital of Brussels on October 16, under the theme “Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity”. It provided a platform to develop closer partnerships.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Emir of Qatar, co-chaired the Summit. The joint statement highlights that the participants agree to build their strategic partnership based on mutual respect and trust.

EU and GCC leaders noted the need to tackle global challenges together. They agreed to put in joint efforts to promote global and regional security and prosperity, including preventing the emergence and escalation of conflicts and resolving crises through dialogue.

Economic cooperation and climate action

The EU is the second-largest trade partner for the Gulf countries, generating €170 billion in trade last year. During the inaugural Summit, leaders committed to a strategic trade and investment partnership, reconfirming their mutual interest to have a thriving relationship.

The EU and GCC countries also stressed the need to intensify their energy cooperation and to scale up urgent action to address the challenges posed by climate change, ocean and land degradation, biodiversity loss, desertification and pollution.

The participants are expecting successful outcomes at the upcoming COP29 Summit in Baku. The previous COP28 Summit in Dubai resulted in a number of stunning successes, such as the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund and the UAE Consensus.

UAE delegation at first EU-GCC Summit

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, led the UAE delegation at the inaugural Summit held on October 16 in Brussels.

He said the event offered a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue to advance mutual development, adding the UAE’s participation in the Summit reflects its belief in the importance of international cooperation and its role in driving sustainable development.

The Summit supports the aspirations of GCC countries and their commitment to fostering global dialogue and cooperation, noted His Highness, emphasising that “this approach has long been a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy.”

Sheikh Maktoum hailed initiatives to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange ith the EU. He also praised the bloc’s notable role in addressing regional and global challenges, stressing the need for joint efforts to ensure stability in the Middle East.