EU and Gulf Leaders Meet for First Summit Amid Mideast Turmoil
- The summit in Brussels involves leaders from the EU and six Gulf nations, focusing on trade and regional issues.
- There are significant divisions within the EU regarding the conflicts in the Middle East and relations with Russia.
- The meeting is likely to result in general commitments rather than concrete agreements, reflecting ongoing diplomatic challenges.
On October 16, 2024, leaders from the European Union and six Gulf nations convened for their inaugural summit in Brussels amidst ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and differing perspectives on the war in Ukraine. The summit, which is expected to last only a few hours, aims to address various issues including trade, visa policies, and regional conflicts. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling shared challenges. However, the meeting is anticipated to produce only general commitments rather than concrete agreements due to existing divisions among EU member states regarding their stance on Israel's conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as varying opinions on relations with Russia. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, which include Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, have maintained closer ties with Moscow, complicating the EU's efforts to present a unified front. The summit reflects the ongoing struggle for alignment among nations facing complex geopolitical issues, highlighting the challenges of international diplomacy in a fragmented global landscape.