News

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The partnership between Europe and the Gulf is a lasting anchor in turbulent times, and participants call on the next European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to build a deeper strategic partnership with a parliamentary dimension.

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Enhanced interconnectivity is the strategic expression of shared interests between Europe and the Gulf, underlining the importance of open, secure and sustainable links across sea, land, air and digital networks for trade, energy, investment, security, resilience, and our people. Recent disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, exacerbated by attacks carried out by Iran and its proxies, show how closely our regions' prosperity and security are interconnected, and we urge the European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to give this shared interest strong political momentum.

 

In this context, energy security and diversification of energy sources constitute two essential elements in consolidating economic stability. They support sustainable development pathways, particularly in light of the challenges facing energy markets and disruptions to supplies. These challenges have repercussions on various economic sectors, foremost among them the industrial sector, as well as direct effects on societies and the living standards of their people. We encouraged the Summit to explore the common opportunities in reliable, diversified and sustainable energy supplies, strengthen interconnected infrastructure, and explore cooperation on technologies of mutual interest.

 

 

Accordingly, participants called on the forthcoming Summit to strengthen European-Gulf cooperation by developing joint solutions that ensure the sustainability, reliability and diversification of energy supplies, supporting the development and interconnection of energy infrastructure, and expanding areas of cooperation in modern technologies of mutual interest, in a manner that serves mutual interests and enhances long-term energy security.

 

The Summit was urged to provide the partnership with a stable and predictable economic framework, and to send a clear political signal for resuming negotiations towards a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This would be a natural anchor for deeper trade and investment ties. Resilient supply chains and economic security are a common interest, as is safeguarding the integrity of trade and financial channels by preventing the circumvention of international sanctions.

 

Lasting partnerships are grounded in mutual understanding between societies. We encouraged strengthening parliamentary and people-to-people contacts, and increasing mobility, cultural and educational exchanges, as well as tourism. We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing safe and mutually beneficial visa-free travel arrangements with the five remaining GCC States.

 

The continued Iranian attacks using missiles and drones against the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council were strongly condemned, whether carried out directly or through its proxies, including the targeting of civilian and economic facilities, vital installations, civilian airports, holy sites, service facilities and infrastructure, and the resulting threats to the lives and safety of civilians, violations of the sovereignty, security and stability of States, and the endangerment of regional and international peace and security. Participants stood in solidarity with the GCC States and people and reaffirmed the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. They called on Iran and its proxies to immediately and unconditionally cease these attacks to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the region.

 

In this regard, participants emphasised the importance of compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), concerning the condemnation of Iranian attacks against the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Participants also recalled the positions and statements issued by the European Union and the European Parliament in this regard.

 

 

 

 

 

Participants welcomed close coordination and called for enhanced cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure, counter-terrorism, the prevention of violent extremism, civil protection, and resilience. Dialogue, diplomacy, and international law provide the basis for restoring stability and achieving a lasting solution that addresses the threats associated with Iran's nuclear, ballistic missile, and drone programmes. Participants called on Iran and its proxies to fully respect freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb.

 

Participants expressed concern about the developments in the Red Sea which threaten a vital route between Europe and Asia. They appreciated the contribution of the EUNAVFOR operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA, welcomed appeals to reinforce ASPIDES, and encouraged close coordination between the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition and European Union Common Security and Defence Policy operations to protect shared maritime routes and energy supplies.

 

During the meeting, participants discussed the situation in the Palestinian territories.  Participants reiterated the need to protect civilians, uphold international law and international humanitarian law, and ensure the safe, immediate, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. They stressed the importance of consolidating stability and preventing renewed escalation, while supporting political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.

 

On security in Europe, participants recalled UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1 on aggression against Ukraine. Participants called for an immediate ceasefire, working towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. They shared a deep concern that this war, together with hybrid actions against EU Member States and attacks on commercial and civilian ships in the Black Sea, represents a serious threat to Europe’s security and poses global food insecurity. Participants commended the humanitarian and mediation efforts of Gulf countries, including their role in facilitating prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children, and called on the EU and the GCC to deepen their cooperation in advancing de-escalation, peace, and diplomatic solutions, and consolidating security and stability, both in Europe and the GCC States.

 

In conclusion, participants reaffirmed the role of parliamentary diplomacy as an enduring pillar of the partnership between the two sides. Parliaments carry the voice of citizens, confer legitimacy upon agreements, and maintain open channels of communication. By supporting regional and international efforts in the fields of security, energy, the sustainable economy, digital transformation and human rights, and through collective action, parliaments play an important role in promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.

With a view to achieving this objective, participants agreed to convene regularly, alternating between Europe and the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and to deepen dialogue through official visits, Speakers' meetings, and interparliamentary forums, while sharing expertise between parliamentary services. Participants will seek to open doors to young people, academics, civil society and cultural communities from both regions, so that the partnership is felt in citizens' daily lives, and will remain open to cooperation in any other area of mutual interest.

 

 

 

The President of the European Parliament

The Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council