European Union and Gulf leaders have postponed their Riyadh summit as attacks on Saudi Arabia and the closure of its main airport raise security concerns. The two sides have not announced a replacement date. The second gathering in this format was to bring all EU leaders together with their Gulf counterparts.
European Union and Gulf leaders have postponed their summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. The Gulf Cooperation Council, the six-state regional organisation, announced the decision on Thursday. Its Secretary-General Jasem Al Budaiwi cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport. He said the delay was intended to protect participating delegations amid continuing threats to civilians.[1], [2]
The two sides will agree on a new date, which has not yet been announced. The European Council said it remained committed to deepening the partnership. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and European Council President António Costa had been scheduled to co-host the gathering, with all 27 EU leaders attending. The first summit in this format took place in Brussels in late 2024.[1]
Gulf states had hoped the meeting would help harmonise Schengen visa waivers. UAE citizens already have an exemption, while citizens of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman receive five-year multiple-entry visas. EU countries have strengthened Gulf ties since the Iran war began. France and Italy have sent air-defence systems to the UAE and, more recently, Saudi Arabia.[1]
