The European Commission and the High Representative welcome the Councils decision to start negotiations with the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to conclude bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs).
The SPAs aim to provide 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 aligns with efforts to enhance our relations with GCC partners outlined 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 relations with Gulf partners, being truly strategic partnerships that address common challenges and harness 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 partners.
Background
SPAs reflect the EUs 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.
For More Information
2022 Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf