RESEARCH SEMINAR: Prospects for EU GCC Relations following the EU’s Communication on “Strategic Partnership for the Gulf"

The European Union’s introduction of “A Strategic Partnership with the Gulf” in May 2022 signals a new commitment by the EU to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arabian Gulf region.  Increased cooperation between the two regions makes sense at many levels given the combined EU/GCC economic strength that makes up 20% of the global economy, 17.5% of global trade, and 50% of global foreign direct investments. 

The EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been engaged in interregional cooperation since the 1980s.  The relationship has been both active and sluggish in the intervening years.  The new Strategic Partnership presents an opportunity for reinvigorating high-level political engagement as well as furthering people-to-people connections across a number of economic, social, and cultural spheres.  

For the GCC and its member states, the Strategic Partnership presents an opportunity to benefit from increased engagement with the EU that is in line with a number of national and regional strategic objectives.  Addressing climate change and continued economic diversification in the region are the leading priorities.  Fostering increased engagement across civil society through partnerships in different spaces will also bring expanded opportunities.  

This presentation will examine how the new Strategic Partnership has the potential for strengthening relations between the EU and the Arabian Gulf in a way that is mutually supportive to address regional and global challenges. 

Richard Burchill
UNU-CRIS Associate Research Fellow

Tuesday, 6 December 2022
(due to the national strike in Belgium on 9 November, this research seminar is now taking place on Tuesday, 6 December 2022).

11.00 - 12.30

This is an in-person event only.

Please register below before Monday, 5 December 2022 23.59 CET
 

Please click here to register