Senior officials, policymakers, and experts from Europe and the Gulf have gathered in Milan for a high-level initiative focused on strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The event, held at Palazzo Clerici, was organized by the Doha Forum and MED Dialogues in partnership with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies and the Center for International Policy Research.
Held under the theme ‘Bridging Stability: EU-GCC Cooperation in an Era of Fragmentation,’ the initiative focused on coordinated approaches to regional security, economic resilience, and strategic cooperation amid an evolving geopolitical environment.
Discussions examined the impact of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its broader implications for regional stability, global energy markets, and economic security.
Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and GCC countries in areas including security, crisis management, energy resilience, and trade.
The discussions placed particular focus on developments in the Gulf region, the Levant, and strategic maritime corridors, with officials highlighting the importance of coordinated engagement to address regional challenges.
The plenary session featured Adviser to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, alongside HE Luigi Di Maio, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Gulf.
Speaking during the session, Al Ansari said that the Gulf region continues to serve as a stable partner for Europe in security and energy, adding that recent regional developments have demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation between both sides.
Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that future cooperation would require structured and long-term coordination capable of responding effectively during periods of instability.
Di Maio emphasized that European and Gulf security remain closely connected, stressing the importance of building practical frameworks and trust-based partnerships capable of addressing shared geopolitical and economic challenges.
Participants in closed-door discussions also examined the future regional order following the conflict, defense cooperation, and energy and industrial policy coordination.
Officials and experts underlined the need to translate political dialogue into concrete and coordinated action.
The 24th edition of the Doha Forum 2026 will be held in Doha on 5-6 December 2026 under the theme ‘Redefining Global Trust.’
