Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU | EEAS

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) is a regional organisation, with six members: The Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Set up in 1981, its objectives are to enhance coordination, integration and inter-connection among its members.

EU-GCC relations are based on a Cooperation Agreement Document signed in 1989, which establishes regular dialogues on cooperation between the EU and GCC on economic relations, climate change, energy, environment, and research.

On 18 May 2022, the Commission and the High Representative presented a Joint Communication on a strategic partnership with the Gulf, proposing a comprehensive and stronger partnership between the EU and the GCC and its Member States.