Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law - EU-GCC statement

Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law - EU-GCC statement

Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to regional stability, emphasizing the protection of civilians and adherence to international law during their 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting. The statement underscored the strategic partnership between the two blocs, established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement, as critical to addressing global economic challenges and security threats.

Economic cooperation remains a priority, with both sides agreeing to accelerate Free Trade Agreement negotiations and enhance trade and investment ties. The upcoming 9th GCC-EU Business Forum in Kuwait (November 2025) and the 14th Macro-economic Dialogue (December 2025) aim to diversify economies, strengthen supply chains, and promote sustainable growth. Discussions also highlighted collaboration on renewable energy, hydrogen, and clean technology, aligning with the Paris Agreement and efforts to decarbonize global value chains.

The Joint Council reiterated support for multilateralism, including adherence to the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. It called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, urging Israel to facilitate aid delivery and protect civilian infrastructure. Financial support for the Palestinian Authority, including €1.6 billion from the EU and contributions from GCC states, was cited as essential to addressing its fiscal crisis and sustaining the two-state solution.

The blocs also emphasized coordination on sanctions implementation, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, with plans to establish a Counter-Terrorism Working Group. Future engagements, including the 2026 GCC-EU Summit in Saudi Arabia, will focus on deepening economic integration and advancing shared climate goals.

This statement reflects a strategic alignment of economic and security priorities, with both regions seeking to balance growth, stability, and adherence to international norms.