European negotiations for strategic partnerships with the Gulf states

The European Council granted, the day before yesterday, a mandate to start bilateral negotiations with the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, with the aim of concluding comprehensive strategic partnership agreements.

The European Council’s decision, in which the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs welcomed, aims to establish a framework of “ambition, modern and effective” cooperation that strengthens relations in a wide range of sectors, including foreign policy, security, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, education, and culture. Luigi de Mayo, the European Special Envoy for the region, described the decision as a “historic day to move to a higher level of ambition”, while the European Supreme Actress for Foreign Affairs, Kaya Callas, confirmed the existence of huge, unforgivable capabilities in the relationship of the European Union with the region, and said that the new agreements will achieve mutual benefits in facing common security challenges and diversify the economy.