Has the EU underestimated its relationship with Gulf countries?

EU and Gulf leaders are meeting on Wednesday (16 October) in Brussels in a first-ever summit between the two regions. Co-chaired by outgoing European Council President Charles Michel and Qatar’s Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting follows the launch of a strategic partnership in 2022.

But mutual concerns remain. The EU sees the Gulf as a key energy partner in reducing its dependence on Russian energy. Yet, the Gulf’s ties with Moscow make this partnership challenging. For their part, Gulf countries are concerned about the EU’s inconsistent stance on Gaza as the conflict expands. Can both sides overcome these issues to deepen their diplomatic and energy partnership?

To answer this question, host Evi Kiorri spoke with Camille Lons, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Cinzia Bianco, visiting fellow at the same think tank.