EU and Gulf States Convene in Milan to Strengthen Security and Energy Ties

Milan forum on EU-GCC cooperation

The Doha Forum and the Mediterranean Dialogues, in partnership with Italy’s ISPI and the Center for International Policy Research, hosted an EU-GCC initiative at Palazzo Clerici in Milan under the banner "Bridging Stability: EU-GCC Cooperation in an Era of Fragmentation." Officials and experts from the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council examined escalating regional instability — including the repercussions of the American-Israeli war on Iran — and debated impacts on regional security, global energy markets and economic resilience. Discussions focused on shaping coordinated post-war responses and deepening cooperation in security, crisis management, energy resilience and trade.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari described the Arab Gulf as a stable partner for Europe on security and energy, highlighting shared interests and the need for sustained collaboration, while EU Special Representative Luigi Di Maio said Gulf and European security are inseparable. Participants also looked ahead to the 24th Doha Forum scheduled for December 5–6, 2026, under the theme "Redefining Global Trust." as reported by SANA