European Parliament Will Host GCC Speakers
Leaders will gather in Brussels on October 16, 2026, to discuss parliamentary cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Middle East
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Should the EU prioritize closer parliamentary and strategic ties with Gulf Cooperation Council nations?
The European Parliament will host a conference featuring Gulf Cooperation Council speakers in Brussels on October 16, 2026. President Roberta Metsola will chair the session to discuss strategic ties between the two regions.
Why it matters
The conference serves as a key diplomatic precursor to the EU-GCC leaders' summit scheduled for October 24, 2026. The meeting aims to strengthen parliamentary coordination ahead of the high-level talks.
The Gulf Cooperation Council has operated as a regional bloc since its founding in 1981. This upcoming conference in Brussels builds upon prior diplomatic engagements, including a 2025 meeting held in Abu Dhabi.
The players
Roberta Metsola
Roberta Metsola is the President of the European Parliament who chairs the upcoming conference and facilitates diplomatic ties.
Gulf Cooperation Council
The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union that was founded in 1981.
Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam
Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam is a featured speaker at the European Parliament conference.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi is a scheduled speaker who will provide an opening address at the parliamentary gathering.
The details
The event will feature opening addresses from President Roberta Metsola, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. Attendees are expected to focus on parliamentary cooperation and shared strategic interests, concluding their session with the adoption of a joint statement.
Timeline
The Gulf Cooperation Council was founded in 1981.
President Roberta Metsola met with GCC speakers in Abu Dhabi on 23 June 2025.
The conference will take place at the European Parliament on 16 October 2026.
The EU-GCC leaders' summit is scheduled for 24 October 2026.
Travel Outlook
This conference follows the precedent set by the 2025 EU-GCC meeting in Abu Dhabi by continuing the established framework for parliamentary cooperation. These diplomatic efforts illustrate the ongoing cycles of international engagement between European and Gulf institutions.
Travelers visiting Brussels during the week of October 16, 2026, should anticipate increased security presence near the European Parliament. Visitors should monitor local transit updates as diplomatic events often cause temporary disruptions in the immediate vicinity of government buildings.
The takeaway
Diplomatic conferences act as essential foundations for high-level summits by streamlining legislative agendas. Stakeholders often use these gatherings to reach consensus on policy language before final executive negotiations occur.
What happens next
The EU-GCC leaders' summit is scheduled to take place on 24 October 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about regional diplomatic ties in our Middle East section.
Live Poll
Should the EU prioritize closer parliamentary and strategic ties with Gulf Cooperation Council nations?
