As the GCC Presidency, Kuwait plays a key role in driving forward our strategic partnership, building on the first and historic EU-GCC Summit that took place last year in Brussels. 

In the upcoming months, Kuwait will play a pivotal role in advancing EU-Gulf relations as the GCC Presidency. On 6 October, Kuwait will host the 29th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting. This meeting will build on the success of last year's summit in Brussels.

The European Union has a genuine interest in strengthening its excellent relations with the Gulf. As part of these efforts, the EU aims to build strong and mutually-beneficial partnerships with the six GCC countries, including Kuwait. 

The relations between the EU and Kuwait have been historically strong. Our bilateral relations have witnessed a major boost in recent times. Kuwait was the first country in the Gulf to sign a Cooperation Arrangement with the European External Action Service (EEAS) in July 2016. The Cooperation Arrangement provides a platform for regular political consultations covering common regional challenges in the Middle East and beyond. It also provides for sectoral consultations in the fields of energy (including clean and renewable energy), security and counter-terrorism, development cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

On 18 July 2025, the European Union Member States agreed that the European Union could enter into negotiations with each of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Kuwait, with the aim of concluding bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs). The aim of the SPAs is to provide for an ambitious, modern, comprehensive and effective framework for bilateral cooperation tailored to the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and each GCC country.

This decision is an essential element in the EU’s efforts to enhance the relations with the GCC partners set out in the 2022 Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf. This intention was confirmed at the first EU–GCC Summit that took place in Brussels in October 2024. The individual agreements will be tailored to each of the GCC countries. They may cover a wide range of topics such as foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, environment, connectivity, education, research and innovation, culture, and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

The SPAs will mark a significant improvement in the relations with Gulf partners including Kuwait, being truly strategic partnerships, addressing common challenges and harnessing joint opportunities across the rapidly evolving Middle East region. The SPAs will complement existing EU–GCC cooperation frameworks, including ongoing negotiations on a regional Free Trade Agreement.

Kuwait will host the 9th EU-GCC Business Forum on 5 November. This high-level event aims to advance the implementation of our shared ambitions. Both the EU and the GCC leaders agreed in Brussels last year to build a thriving and mutually favourable trade and investment relationship that must be developed, as appropriate, through multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks. Our leaders also identified shared opportunities including enhancing business and investment environment, the green and digital transitions, sustainable energy, connectivity, and advancing the integration and diversification of our economies. 

This forum will be a key platform for turning our shared ambitions into real-world progress. It aims at fostering business cooperation and explore ways to enhance market access conditions and supporting investments between both regions. The forum will cover areas ranging from digital transformation to food security, infrastructure and trade corridors, resilient supply chains, healthcare, and emerging technologies, all with the goal of translating ideas into action and propose solutions across all sectors of interests for our economies. It will bring together high-level stakeholders, public officials, private sector leaders, and innovators, to foster dialogue and cooperation and explore ways to accelerate the immense potential in EU-GCC relations in terms of innovation, trade and investments. 

Trade and innovation are a core part to Kuwait’s history and identity. Over the past two years, I have been moved by discovering the strong and genuine links that bind the Kuwaiti people with Europe. In this spirit, I would like to invite Kuwaiti companies, investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovators to join us in this inspiring enterprise and bring to the table their energy, creativity and strength. It is time to unlock the immense potential in our relations and build an ambitious, reliable and mutually beneficial partnership built on trust and shared objectives.

Anne Koistinen

European Union Ambassador to the State of Kuwait 

Among the GCC countries, Kuwait’s strategic location and vision can play an important role in advancing the connectivity between our regions. The forum can also benefit from Kuwait’s wisdom and experience as the pioneer force behind Gulf’s economic development and regional integration. The European Union stands ready to continue supporting the implementation of Kuwait 2035 Vision and unlocking the full potential of Kuwait’s economy. We are ready to share our expertise and experience in areas where the EU has cutting-edge knowledge and regulations, including AI and new technologies, infrastructure development, transports and logistics or sustainable tourism. The European Union is Kuwait’s second trading partner, but there is much more we can together.