Amid the surge of violence across the Middle East, European Union leaders and Gulf states gathered in Brussels for a summit that marked a cautious move toward deeper diplomatic, economic, and energy ties. The event drew intense attention for the controversial presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The gathering, involving the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council members Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, offered a largely symbolic rapprochement as participants addressed the region’s worsening conflict and, to a lesser extent, the war in Ukraine.
In a joint declaration, the leaders condemned attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, urged all sides to act with restraint to avoid a new escalation, and called for international diplomatic efforts to end the current cycle of violence. They reaffirmed the push for a ceasefire and supported pursuing a diplomatic path toward a two-state solution that would recognize Palestine.
On Ukraine, the participating countries pledged support for efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and condemned attacks on civilians. Yet the statement did not explicitly condemn Russia nor outline measures to counter sanctions evasion. Some community sources tempered expectations, noting that no one expected an immediate alignment with Western positions, but the value lay in maintaining dialogue.
The communiqué also deepens cooperation in security, energy, and economic areas as both sides seek to strengthen ties. The Gulf states and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations on a trade and investment agreement that has stretched for more than three decades. For many diplomats, the Brussels gathering offered a chance to broaden ties with a bloc wielding substantial economic and political influence in the region.
Criticism of the meeting
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A senior analyst from Human Rights Watch, Claudio Francavilla, cautioned that strengthening links with Gulf governments while repression persisted and labor rights violations continued conflicts with EU values. He urged leaders to make clear that the release of critics and progress on human rights were essential to the bilateral relationship.
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Within the 12-page joint communiqué there are several references to commitments on human rights, though the six signatory countries have reputations for repression and violations. Diplomats familiar with the talks tempered expectations about the depth of the discussion. The presence of Bin Salman loomed large over the event as a symbol of the political calculus at work.