EU-GCC cooperation and freedom of navigation key to regional stability, Di Maio tells Hili Forum

Abu Dhabi: Participants in the session “The Gulf Security Architecture: Where Does Europe Stand?” at the Hili Forum discussed regional stability, defence cooperation, freedom of navigation and the evolution of Gulf-European relations amid ongoing geopolitical developments. Speaking during the session, Luigi Di Maio, European Union Special Representative for the Gulf region, said the European Union had stood alongside Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries since the outbreak of the conflict on 28 February and during the 12-day war, including when Qatar came under attack. Di Maio said the EU and GCC share a common objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while pursuing that goal through diplomacy and negotiated agreements. He added that support from European governments, institutions and citizens helped create broader opportunities for cooperation, culminating in the first ministerial meeting between GCC foreign ministers and the European Union on 5 March, which resulted in a joint statement focused on diplomacy, deterrence and practical cooperation. Strategic priorities Di Maio identified three key priorities shaping Gulf-European cooperation. The first is diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, including support for initiatives aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The second is defence and security cooperation through enhanced bilateral engagement and high-level exchanges. The third is connectivity, focusing on developing alternative routes for data, energy and trade, including support for projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Gulf and European security Di Maio said the concept that "the security of the GCC is the security of Europe" reflects similarities in the challenges facing both regions. He noted that following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe was forced to rethink critical infrastructure, diversify energy sources and strengthen resilience, developments that he said mirror efforts being undertaken by Gulf countries. He added that artificial intelligence, data centres and digital infrastructure have become strategic assets that now intersect directly with foreign and defence policy. Relations with Iran Addressing relations with Iran, Di Maio said Europe can continue to act both as a diplomatic intermediary and as a reliable partner to Gulf countries. He stressed that future negotiations should not be conducted without involving countries of the region, saying any long-term regional security architecture must be led by regional states themselves while receiving European support. According to Di Maio, excluding Gulf countries from future arrangements would undermine both confidence and implementation. Freedom of navigation Di Maio also stressed that freedom of navigation remains a non-negotiable principle. He said Gulf countries are strategic economic and energy partners, but the significance of maritime routes extends far beyond energy supplies to the broader functioning of the global economy. He added that the European Union and GCC countries share the view that freedom of navigation and respect for international law in the Strait of Hormuz must not become subjects for compromise or negotiation. Strengthening partnership Di Maio pointed to the growing institutional cooperation between the European Union and the GCC, including regular ministerial meetings and the October 2024 summit that brought together EU and GCC leaders in Brussels. He said the cooperation platform established in recent years provides an important framework for joint action during periods of crisis and will help strengthen future relations. Concluding his remarks, Di Maio described the Hili Forum as an example of how multilateral cooperation can contribute to meaningful change. He said the foundations established in recent months between the GCC and the European Union provide a clear direction for the future of the relationship and expressed optimism about further cooperation in the period ahead.