EU okays talks of strategic partnership agreement with Kuwait

On 18 July, the European Union member states agreed to authorize the EU to initiate negotiations with each of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — including Kuwait — with the objective of concluding bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs). These agreements aim to establish an ambitious, modern, comprehensive, and effective framework for bilateral cooperation, tailored to the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and each individual GCC member.

This decision represents a pivotal component of the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen its relationship with GCC partners, as outlined in the 2022 Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf. The EU’s commitment to this initiative was reaffirmed during the inaugural EU–GCC Summit, held in Brussels in October 2024.

Each SPA will be customized to reflect the specific needs and goals of the respective GCC country and may encompass a broad spectrum of areas, including foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, environmental cooperation, connectivity, education, research and innovation, culture, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.

Anne Koistinen, the EU Ambassador to Kuwait, remarked, “We live in a historic moment in EU-Gulf relations. Both sides seek to deepen the robust and reliable EU-GCC partnership and elevate it to new heights. In this context, the European Union is eager to forge a strong, ambitious, and mutually beneficial strategic partnership with the State of Kuwait — one that will serve the interests of our countries and our peoples.

“I am confident that these strengthened ties will positively contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. I also look forward to the upcoming EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting and EU-GCC Business Forum, which Kuwait will host later this year,” the EU envoy said.

The European Union anticipates a positive response from all six GCC countries, including Kuwait, to commence SPA negotiations.

These agreements are expected to significantly enhance EU-Gulf relations, offering truly strategic partnerships that address shared challenges and unlock joint opportunities across the dynamic and rapidly evolving Middle East.

Moreover, the SPAs will serve to complement existing frameworks of cooperation between the EU and GCC, including the ongoing negotiations for a regional Free Trade Agreement.