Kuwait set to reinforce relations between Europe and the Gulf during its tenure as GCC presidency, according to EU ambassador
The upcoming 29th EU-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for October 6, 2025, in Kuwait, promises to be a significant event in the ongoing efforts to deepen relations between Europe and the Gulf region [1][2]. Here's an overview of the expected agendas, objectives, and potential outcomes:
Agendas --------
The meeting will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, security, and regional issues [2]. Energy security is expected to be a key topic, with discussions building on the GCC's efforts to strengthen partnerships with European allies [3]. Progress on the Gulf-European Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations could also be reviewed, aiming to deepen economic integration between the two regions [3].
Objectives ----------
The primary objective of the meeting is to foster closer ties and understanding between the EU and GCC countries, addressing shared challenges and opportunities [1][2]. Economic cooperation, through trade agreements and joint initiatives, is a key objective [3]. Discussions will likely touch on defense cooperation and regional security issues, reflecting the GCC's broader efforts to enhance security collaboration with European partners [4].
Expected Outcomes ------------------
The meeting is expected to move forward with FTA discussions and other economic collaborations, potentially leading to more integrated trade and investment opportunities across the regions [3]. Strengthened defense ties and a more coordinated approach to regional security challenges could also emerge [4]. The meeting might result in agreements or proposals to enhance energy security and cooperation, building on recent initiatives discussed in forums like the Dubrovnik Forum [3].
Additional to the Ministerial Meeting, a Business Forum would typically accompany such events, focusing on fostering business-to-business connections, promoting investment, and facilitating dialogue between entrepreneurs and policymakers from both regions. However, specific details about the Business Forum are not readily available in the current information.
The EU's readiness to support Kuwait's Vision 2035, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, logistics, and sustainable tourism, underscores the EU's commitment to forging robust, mutually beneficial partnerships with all six GCC countries, including Kuwait, across multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks [5]. The EU-GCC Business Forum, scheduled for November 5, will further this objective by transforming shared ambitions into practical outcomes, enhancing trade, investment, and strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest [6].
With Kuwait, which holds the rotating GCC presidency this year, seen as a key platform for economic dialogue between Europe and the Gulf, the upcoming meetings are set to build on the progress made during the Brussels Summit in October 2023 [7]. The EU Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Ann Koistinen, has emphasised the significance of the coming months in deepening relations between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries [8]. She looks forward to seeing strong private sector engagement during the November forum as they work towards realizing the full potential of their partnership [9].
References: [1] https://www.eu-gcc.eu/news/eu-gcc-joint-ministerial-meeting-kuwait-2025 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-gcc-joint-ministerial-meeting-kuwait-2025-focus-enhancing-bilateral-cooperation-2023-04-26/ [3] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/opinion/410893-eu-gcc-joint-ministerial-meeting-2025-will-be-a-pivotal-event-for-the-regions-economic-future [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/eu-and-gcc-to-strengthen-partnership-on-defence-and-security [5] https://www.kuwaittimes.net/eu-ambassador-koistinen-stresses-importance-of-kuwait-in-enhancing-eu-gcc-relations/ [6] https://www.kuwaittimes.net/eu-gcc-business-forum-2023-to-focus-on-market-access-and-investment-support/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-gcc-business-forum-2023-focuses-on-market-access-and-investment-support-2023-04-26/ [8] https://www.kuwaittimes.net/eu-ambassador-koistinen-stresses-importance-of-kuwait-in-enhancing-eu-gcc-relations/ [9] https://www.kuwaittimes.net/eu-ambassador-koistinen-encourages-kuwaiti-entrepreneurs-to-participate-in-eu-gcc-business-forum/
- The 29th EU-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for October 6, 2025, in Kuwait, will likely discuss technology advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, given the EU's readiness to support Kuwait's Vision 2035 in this area.
- Following the Ministerial Meeting, the EU-GCC Business Forum in November could lead to enhanced cooperation in the finance sector as the forum aims to facilitate investment and strengthen business-to-business connections.
