The upcoming Qatar-EU summit, set to take place in October 2024 in Brussels, is expected to be a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Qatar and the European Union (EU). This will mark the first-ever leaders’ summit between the two entities, and according to H.E. Dr. Cristian Tudor, the EU Ambassador to Qatar, the summit promises to usher in a new era of strategic cooperation.

This highly anticipated summit comes at a time when global geopolitical and economic dynamics are rapidly evolving. The meeting aims to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and social connections between Qatar and the EU, with a focus on areas such as energy, trade, technology, and regional security.

Strengthening EU-GCC Relations

The Qatar-EU summit builds on the framework of the longstanding dialogue between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of six member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU and GCC have been engaged in discussions since the signing of a Cooperation Agreement in 1988, which laid the foundation for promoting trade and economic relations between the two regions.

In his address at the opening session of the 13th GCC-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue in Doha, Ambassador Tudor emphasized that these dialogues are the appropriate means to elevate EU-GCC relations to a new strategic level. He expressed optimism that the October summit will help unlock new opportunities for both sides, deepening collaboration across various sectors.

“I believe that all these developments, all these dialogues are working in the right direction, which is upgrading relations between the European Union and the Gulf countries on a strategic level. I see without a doubt that holding of this summit will lead to the entry of a new era,” Ambassador Tudor said.

Economic and Trade Dialogue in Focus

Economic and trade cooperation will be a focal point of the upcoming summit, with a specific emphasis on enhancing investments, boosting bilateral trade, and addressing global economic challenges. In recent years, Qatar has emerged as a key player in the international energy market, and its strategic location and resources make it an important partner for the EU in terms of energy security.

Director of International Economic, Financial Relations, and Global Governance (ECFIN), Annika Eriksgaard, highlighted the importance of economic dialogue between the EU and GCC. She pointed to the increasing fragmentation of global trade, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Gaza and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which have had significant ripple effects on trade routes, energy availability, and global tourism.

“These challenges require finding possible solutions and coordinating ways to address them. The economic dialogue between the EU and GCC is crucial, especially in the face of these mounting challenges. The manner and spirit in which these discussions have taken place show the potential for finding aligned interests and common ground,” Eriksgaard stated.

Energy Cooperation: A Key Priority

Energy cooperation is set to be one of the most critical areas of discussion at the summit. The EU has been seeking to diversify its energy sources in recent years, especially in light of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has disrupted traditional energy supply routes and increased Europe’s reliance on energy imports from regions like the Gulf.

Qatar, one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), plays a central role in ensuring global energy stability. As Europe continues to explore alternatives to Russian gas, Qatar’s LNG supplies have become more crucial for the EU’s energy security. This dynamic provides a strong incentive for both sides to collaborate closely in the energy sector.

Furthermore, the summit will likely address sustainability and the energy transition, as both the EU and Qatar have expressed commitments to reducing carbon emissions and exploring renewable energy sources. This includes the development of green hydrogen, solar power, and other clean energy technologies, in which the EU has expertise and Qatar has significant potential.

Geopolitical Context: Navigating Global Challenges

The geopolitical context of the summit cannot be ignored. The Middle East is currently undergoing significant changes, with conflicts such as the war in Gaza, regional rivalries, and the shifting dynamics of global powers. The EU’s involvement in Middle Eastern affairs has become more pronounced, especially as it seeks to ensure stability and foster economic growth in the region.

The Russian-Ukrainian war also adds an important layer to the dialogue. The conflict has significantly impacted global trade routes, especially through the Black Sea, which has historically been a major artery for agricultural and energy exports. With the Red Sea and Gulf region playing increasingly strategic roles in global shipping and logistics, the EU and Qatar are expected to discuss potential ways to safeguard and enhance these vital trade routes.

Regional Security and Defense Cooperation

Security cooperation is another crucial area for the EU-Qatar summit. The GCC states have long been involved in regional security issues, particularly in countering terrorism, ensuring maritime security, and managing regional conflicts. The EU, as part of its Global Strategy, has prioritized engagement with Gulf states to maintain stability in the Middle East and ensure the security of key international trade routes, particularly in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.

Qatar has played a mediating role in various regional conflicts, most notably in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East. The country’s efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy have positioned it as a key partner for the EU in fostering peace and security in the region.

Moreover, the rise of non-traditional security threats such as cyberattacks, climate change, and global pandemics will likely feature in the discussions. Both Qatar and the EU have recognized the need for more comprehensive security frameworks that can address these emerging threats in a collaborative manner.

Humanitarian and Cultural Exchange

In addition to the economic and political dimensions, the summit will explore ways to deepen humanitarian cooperation and cultural exchange between Qatar and the EU. Qatar has been a leading supporter of humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones, and its contributions to global health, education, and infrastructure projects have been widely recognized.

Cultural exchange and people-to-people ties are expected to be enhanced through educational partnerships, tourism initiatives, and art exhibitions. The EU and Qatar have long had cultural connections, and the summit will offer a platform to build upon these relationships.

A Roadmap for Future Cooperation

As Qatar prepares to host this landmark summit, the country’s growing role on the global stage becomes ever more apparent. The Qatar-EU summit will provide a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a long-term strategic partnership between the two entities, covering areas such as economic growth, energy security, cultural exchange, and regional stability.

Ambassador Tudor expressed optimism about the summit’s potential impact on future relations. “I consider the Gulf and Arab countries to be the powerhouse of the world, and I think that the European Union is very interested in strengthening and upgrading relations,” he said.

The summit marks a turning point in Qatar’s foreign policy efforts, positioning it as a key ally of the EU in addressing global challenges. With both sides eager to explore new avenues of cooperation, the upcoming summit promises to set a roadmap for a robust and enduring partnership between Qatar and the European Union.

photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

18th September, 2024