The EU Delegation to the UAE marked Europe Day 2025 with a special reception in Abu Dhabi, bringing together Emirati officials, diplomats, and friends of the EU to celebrate European unity and the growing partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the reception as guest of honour. She was joined by Mr Omar Alneyadi, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Gen. Jamal Al Marzooqi, Director of International Affairs Department, UAE Ministry of Defence, along with a number of senior officials and ambassadors from Arab and foreign diplomatic missions.

The reception was also attended by H.E. Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, who travelled to Abu Dhabi to mark the occasion with UAE counterparts. His presence underscored the growing strategic importance of the EU’s ties with the region and the momentum behind EU–Gulf cooperation.

In her remarks, H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE, underlined the strength of EU–UAE relations, highlighting shared interests and growing cooperation across a wide range of fields. She noted: “The European Union stands for fair, rules-based business. We build bridges, not barriers. And we are proud to work alongside the UAE as a key partner for dialogue, cooperation and peace in the region. The EU–UAE relationship is stronger than ever, and full of promise. As we mark Europe Day, we do so with pride in how far we’ve come – and with optimism for what lies ahead.”

The evening also featured a special moment celebrating youth voices, as the EU Delegation honoured a group of Emirati university students whose essays stood out in the 2025 EU–UAE Essay Competition. The initiative, launched by the Delegation earlier this year, invited students to share their visions for the future of the EU-UAE relations and showcased the creativity and insight of young Emiratis.

Europe Day, celebrated annually on 9 May, marks the founding moment of the European Union. It is a day to reflect on the values of peace and unity that bind Europe together and to look ahead to a shared future with partners around the world.