EU and GCC Set to Deepen Security and Energy Ties at Riyadh Leaders' Summit

The European Union is preparing to strengthen its security and energy cooperation with Gulf nations during the upcoming second leaders' summit in Riyadh next month. In a letter of invitation sent to Gulf and EU leaders, European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the opportunity to forge deeper and more ambitious partnerships amid the current geopolitical climate, following the onset of the Iran war on February 28.

Mr Costa highlighted that geographic proximity, historical and cultural ties, and shared regional challenges make it vital to focus discussions on key areas such as peace, security, connectivity, trade, economic cooperation, energy, and mobility.

The push for closer ties comes as regional tensions rise. Following a significant escalation in the Houthi offensive last month, which targeted energy and maritime infrastructure, France and the UK moved quickly to provide military support, including fighter jet-refuelling capabilities and defense systems. Turkey and Pakistan also announced plans to deploy troops following a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, early in the conflict, France and Italy deployed air-defense systems to the UAE to counter Iranian drone and missile attacks.

The physical presence of the EU's 27 leaders in Riyadh for the summit on October 24 is expected to send a strong signal of support to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states impacted by regional instability. Mr Costa noted that the summit will showcase the EU as a reliable, long-term partner capable of unlocking shared opportunities.

Cinzia Bianco, a research fellow on Europe and the Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations, explained that Europe's support complements rather than replaces its relationship with the US, marking the maturation of a strategic partnership where concrete defensive backing serves as an essential foundation.

As the EU's second-biggest trading partner, the GCC—comprising the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar—has seen trade with the bloc grow by about 30 percent over the past decade, with fuel making up over 75 percent of EU imports. In a joint statement, nine Southern Mediterranean EU leaders stressed that the summit will enhance engagement on regional peace, security, and prosperity.

EU foreign affairs and security policy chief Kaja Kallas has also been leading efforts to strengthen Aspides, the bloc's defensive maritime mission operating in the Red Sea, Bab Al Mandeb strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. While Italy and France have contributed frigates to the mission under Greek command, Ms Kallas continues to urge member states to enhance their contributions with necessary vessels and support.