Her Excellency Lucie Berger, the Ambassador of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, welcomed members of the UAE media to her residence today 9 October for an insightful discussion on the growing bilateral relations between the EU and the UAE. The gathering served as a platform to explore the various avenues of collaboration in all sectors, including tackling regional and global challenges ahead of the first-ever European Union - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit.

Ambassador Berger underscored the significance of the upcoming EU-GCC Summit, which will convene the Heads of State and Government of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council members in Brussels on 16 October 2024.

Ambassador Berger remarked:

The Summit is a key opportunity to bolster our region-to-region partnership and address shared priorities and challenges. A robust partnership with the GCC translates into a stronger alliance with the UAE, as we aim to foster deeper cooperation in areas including security, trade and investment, the green and digital transition, and technology and innovation, paving the way for sustainable prosperity on both sides.

The UAE is the EU's primary export destination and investment partner in the MENA region, with around 200.000 Europeans contributing to the nation’s economic vitality and cultural diversity. This dynamic partnership, which we intend to flourish further, is notably strengthened by the significant presence of EU companies across key sectors, including finance, energy, and technology.

Ambassador Berger also highlighted the EU's collaborative efforts during COP28 with the UAE Presidency, focusing on the remarkable outcomes that promote green energy investments and create sustainable jobs. Furthermore, she addressed the importance of regional security, noting that the EU-UAE partnership can play a pivotal role in achieving regional stability.

Ambassador Berger reaffirmed the EU's commitment to working alongside the UAE to ensure that vital aid reaches those in need in conflict areas globally, stressing our excellent collaboration in the context of the conflict in Gaza, such as the Cyprus maritime corridor, and which could be further reinforced and built on.

Cultural and educational exchanges remain integral to the EU-UAE partnership. With numerous European institutions offering high-quality education in the UAE and initiatives like Erasmus+ fostering academic collaboration, the EU is dedicated to empowering the next generations .

Additionally, the EU and UAE are working together to enhance women's empowerment and gender equality in the region through a series of EU-funded workshops and discussions aimed at promoting financial inclusion and political participation.

In the future, Ambassador Berger noted that an institutionalised partnership could help us to further boost bilateral ties across many sectors, including scientific research, AI, and sustainable technologies, ultimately benefitting both sides. 

Ambassador Berger concluded:

As we look ahead, the EU and UAE are poised to continue strengthening their ties, fostering collaboration that not only benefits our respective nations but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity. The upcoming summit is a testament to our shared vision for a more secure and sustainable future.