18/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 18 July, the European Commission and the EU High Representative welcomed the EU Council decision, adopted earlier in the day, authorising them to open negotiations with each of the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - with a view to concluding bilateral strategic partnership agreements. According to the Commission, negotiations will begin as soon as possible. “The negotiating frameworks cover a wide range of subjects, including foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, the environment, connectivity, education, research and innovation, culture and strengthening people-to-people contacts”, the Commission said in its press release. (CG)