Brussels, Oct. 16, 2024 — European Council President Charles Michel opened the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on Wednesday, signaling a new era of cooperation between the two regions.
Joined by GCC leaders, including Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Michel emphasized the importance of this historic gathering.
“This summit opens a new — and I hope more ambitious — chapter in our cooperation,” Michel said in his opening remarks. “We are ready to build a strategic partnership fit for the 21st century, to tackle global challenges and promote more stability, security, prosperity, and respect for international law.”
Michel highlighted shared goals between the EU and GCC, including economic growth, sustainable investment, and addressing major transitions in the digital and green economies. He also stressed the importance of multilateralism and human rights in the current turbulent geopolitical landscape, noting that the summit comes at a time of heightened crises in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.
“The current geopolitical context is extremely difficult and requires a lot of courage and clarity,” Michel remarked. “Together, we can do more to promote stability, progress, and solidarity in our regions and across the world.”
The summit marks a significant moment in EU-GCC relations, with leaders discussing strategies to strengthen ties and create a roadmap for future cooperation. Michel thanked the negotiating teams for their efforts in drafting the joint statement that will shape the partnership’s direction.
“We share a common responsibility to protect the rules-based international order,” Michel added, underscoring the commitment to building bridges between Europe and the Gulf.
The two-day summit is expected to focus on deepening economic ties, fostering sustainable development, and addressing pressing global security challenges.
