Originally launched as a European Commission Delegation, the role of the Delegation was historically changed with the introduction of a new European Treaty, the Lisbon Treaty, in December 2009.

Under the appointed High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy at the time, the EU has set up a unified diplomatic service called the European External Action Service (EEAS). Under the EEAS the renamed European Union Delegation now represents the EU as a whole, rather than the European Commission solely, with the Ambassador accredited as the official representative of the European Union. The EU Delegation now has the mandate to speak on the behalf of member states where there is unanimous agreement in foreign policy areas. In addition, the role of the EU Delegation took on increased importance in July 2010 when it assumed the position of the local Presidency which entails representing and acting on behalf of the EU in Saudi Arabia. In the past this local Presidency has rotated between member states embassies every six months, however, the Delegation now holds this role wherever a Delegation is present; in countries where there is no Delegation, the rotating Presidency continues (this includes Bahrain and Oman).

The changes brought by the Treaty of Lisbon facilitate cooperation between the two regions and have given the EU a stronger voice on global issues, such as the economic and financial crisis, climate change and terrorism as well as a more unified and important voice globally. The Gulf States are close neighbours and as such, exchanges in all fields — political, economic and cultural — are desired to be increased. The strengthened, unified European voice makes the EU an even more active, attractive and reliable partner for the six GCC states.

Head of Delegation 

H.E Christophe Farnaud

Personal Assistant to the Head of Delegation 

Ms. Hristomira Nikolova

Deputy Head of Mission / Head of the Political, Press & Information Section 

Mr. Jaap Ora 

Political Officer 

Mr. Theo Lemaire 

Political Officer

Ms. Elina Praakel

Trade Counsellor 

Dr. Thomas Juergensen

Regional Security/CT Counsellor

Mr. Philippe Cormier

Regional Security Advisor

Mr. Patrick Launay

Head of Administration 

Mr. Michele Lombardini

The Delegation has a diverse staff comprising several European and Arab nationalities. The responsibilities of the Delegation (what we do) covers a wide variety of areas including political relations, security, trade and external assistance.

The Delegation deals with the broad political and economic agenda between the EU and the Gulf countries, at a bilateral and regional level. With the aim of helping to integrate the Gulf and European economy, the Delegation helps facilitate trade relations with the countries of the Gulf and the GCC, an area of great importance, as the EU is the second largest trading partner of the GCC. We interact not only with government ministries but also with the business community, civil society and non-governmental organizations in a wide arena, covering political, economic, commercial, financial and technical fields.

Where there is an approved mandate from member states, the Delegation also conducts negotiations on their behalf.  Moreover, it shares background information, news and developments on European integration, EU policies, and EU-Gulf cooperation programs with the concerned Government agencies, the media, business and academic circles. Additionally, we work with governmental and civil society institutions on developing key functional sectors in the countries we are accredited to.

The Delegation is involved in the analysis and reporting of current local and regional issues to the EU headquarters in Brussels, which affect countries to which we are accredited. We also work to promote EU interests and values in the Gulf and support several projects to this end. We are also involved in raising awareness and promoting the EU and its policies to the public as well as the state and private sectors.