Brussels, 17 April 2025
“We should bring the EU-UAE partnership to the strategic level”, says MEP David McAllister at the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Committee mission to the United Arab Emirates.
A delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by the Chair David McAllister (EPP, DE) visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 15-16 April.
During their stay in Abu Dhabi, Members of the European Parliament discussed strategic EU-UAE cooperation and common foreign affairs and security matters with the Deputy Prime Minister, Vice President, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, and the Chair of the Committee on Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuami. They also met with the political advisor to the President of the UAE, Anwar Gargash, and the Assistant Minister for International Military and Security Affairs, Salem Al Jaberi.
Members discussed the need for lasting peace in Ukraine, preventing the regionalisation of conflicts in the Middle East, and increasing EU-UAE cooperation in the areas of foreign affairs, security, and trade.
On UAE’s foreign policy, MEPs expressed their appreciation for the UAE’s mediation efforts, which resulted in the exchange of 2,800 prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the UAE’s provision of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. MEPs welcomed the UAE’s constructive engagement on anti-money laundering and sanctions circumvention.
On the Middle East, Members commended the UAE for its unwavering and effective provision of humanitarian aid in the region, particularly in Gaza. While reiterating the EU’s support for the two-state solution, MEPs emphasised the importance of solving the conflict between Israel and Palestine and highlighted the UAE as a significant actor in realising this goal. In addition, Members discussed recent developments in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, the Red Sea, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, as well as the destabilising role of Iran and its proxies in the entire region. Further exchanges focused on the status of the Abraham Accords and shared EU-UAE views on religious tolerance, security cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism.
MEPs shared the UAE’s solidarity towards Syria’s territorial integrity and an inclusive peace process. They emphasised the importance of continuing humanitarian aid provision to the Yemeni people and reiterated their firm position against the disruptive actions of the Houthi rebels, particularly in the Red Sea. Members also expressed their concern about finding a solution for the humanitarian crises in Sudan and South Sudan, urging all relevant actors to pursue a sustainable political solution for lasting peace in the region. Avenues for increased EU-UAE cooperation in the Middle East were explored through discussions on humanitarian aid and support for political processes.
Members expressed their confidence in the UAE as a reliable partner across policy areas beyond trade. They highlighted the envisaged Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), which includes security, sustainable energy, climate, high-tech, digital, and education, among others. The agreement would establish a robust political and legal framework to enhance further cooperation. Members noted their appreciation for frequent inter-parliamentary dialogue with the UAE and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding open lines of communication.
In an exchange of views with the National Human Rights Institution, Members commended the advancements made in anti-discrimination laws for women, children, and people with disabilities, the rights of workers, as well as respecting rights related to health and mental health. Members encouraged the UAE to further increase its alignment with international standards on political and civil rights. The mutual interest of the EU and UAE to foster cooperation, stability, and peace is shared through providing humanitarian aid in the region.
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The AFET Chairman and head of the delegation David McAllister (EPP, Germany), stated: “This is the first visit of Committee on Foreign Affairs Members in more than a decade. It is crucial to engage in strengthening our dialogue as the UAE is a key interlocutor in the region. Today, the EU-UAE partnership is getting stronger and stronger, and we should bring it to the strategic level.”
Background
The visit to the UAE came at a crucial moment for strengthening the EU-UAE relationship, right after the joint announcement to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. Over recent years, the UAE has increased its role in diplomatic mediation, humanitarian aid provision, sustainable development, and economic relations, making it an important actor on the global stage. The EU is the second-largest trade partner for the UAE.
Composition of the delegation
- David McAllister (EPP; Germany), chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and head of the delegation
- Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D, Spain), standing rapporteur for Saudi Arabia
- Reinhold Lopatka (EPP, Austria), chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula
- Andrey Kovatchev (EPP, Bulgaria)
- Tonino Picula, (S&D, Croatia)
- Robert Biedroń (S&D, Poland)
- Bernard Guetta (Renew, France)