Qatar has emphasized its commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, according to Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, Speaker of Qatar’s Shura Council. Al-Ghanim made these remarks during a meeting in Brussels on October 16, 2026, where Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) parliamentary speakers convened with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The meeting, which marked the second gathering of GCC and EU parliamentary leaders since the inaugural session in Abu Dhabi last year, highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond. Al-Ghanim underscored the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to reduce regional tensions and enhance international security, citing Qatar’s engagement on issues related to Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gaza Strip.
Qatar reaffirmed its support for the ongoing negotiations on a strategic partnership agreement with the EU, first announced in December 2025. The Shura Council Speaker expressed hope that the upcoming second GCC-EU summit, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, would further deepen cooperation between the two blocs through strengthened parliamentary engagement.
The session addressed various areas of potential collaboration, including trade, investment, economic affairs, security, human and labor rights, counterterrorism, climate change, and technological advancement. Al-Ghanim stressed that the partnership should be grounded in mutual respect, equality, and recognition of each party’s sovereignty and national decisions.
On regional security, al-Ghanim strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting GCC states, labeling them violations of sovereignty and international law that threaten regional stability and global commerce, particularly energy supplies. He reaffirmed the GCC’s united stance against such aggression and called for solidarity in defending the Gulf states’ security. The speaker also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reiterated Qatar’s support for the kingdom’s right to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The meeting participants emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation through key international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, warning against actions that could disrupt maritime security and the global economy.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, al-Ghanim highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories, underscoring the need for safe, uninterrupted delivery of aid and the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. The group endorsed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions.
The GCC and EU representatives jointly called for enhanced cooperation in areas critical to regional and global stability, including maritime security, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. They also stressed the importance of reliable and diversified energy supplies amid recent market disruptions and encouraged joint investments in energy infrastructure.
The participants commended Gulf countries for their humanitarian and mediation initiatives, including efforts facilitating prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children. Both sides committed to intensifying efforts to ease tensions, promote diplomatic solutions, and foster security and stability across Europe and the Gulf region.