UAE to Host First-Ever EU Parliament President Session in the Gulf

A historic parliamentary session will take place in Abu Dhabi this Monday when the UAE’s Federal National Council (FNC) will host Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. This visit is historic because it marks the first time that a sitting EU Parliament President has visited the Gulf region and highlights the deepening relationship between the UAE and the European Union.

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, will lead the session to be held at Zayed Hall in the capital, Abu Dhabi. Her visit comes on the back of an official invitation from the FNC, and during a critical time when the two sides are continuing talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The purpose of this official dialogue between the UAE and the EU is to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and to better coordinate efforts on regional and international issues. The session will consist of related ministers, EU diplomats, and other high-level officials who are interested in discussing shared interests, trade, and diplomacy. Additionally, the FNC is also chairing the 18th meeting of heads of GCC parliaments, where Roberta Metsola will take part in discussions to enhance EU-GCC cooperation, reflecting Europe’s increasing interest in the Gulf region’s role on the global stage.

The European Parliament’s visit signifies a diplomatic achievement, but also a potential beginning of collaboration on economic, environmental, and legislative issues in the Gulf and Europe.