European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has spoken of a “new chapter of EU-UAE relations” defined by peace and prosperity in an address to the Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi.
Ms Metsola, on the first official visit to the Gulf region by a sitting European Parliament president, called for a diplomatic solution to the regional crisis during the landmark UAE–European meeting hosted by FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash. “Very few times in living memories has the world felt so unpredictable,” Ms Metsola said.
Her visit marks a significant step forward in the growing diplomatic and strategic relations between UAE and European Union, especially as discussions advance on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Having received an official invitation from the FNC, her visit also comes at a pivotal moment in UAE-EU relations and only days after Washington joined Israel in attacking nuclear sites in Iran, as the war in Gaza continues to rage.
Supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, Ms Metsola said on Monday: “We continue to push for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering [in Gaza] … and the return of hostages.”
She noted the UAE represents a global model of coexistence and progress, building partnerships based on dialogue, trust, and shared responsibility.
For his part, Mr Ghobash reflected on the deepening partnership between the UAE and Europe in his opening speech.
“We view your visit as a confirmation and consolidation of a broader path of parliamentary co-operation between the Federal National Council and the European Parliament," he told Ms Metsola.
"A path that transcends geographical boundaries and paves the way for future initiatives on issues that share our political and humanitarian consciences: such as peace, sustainable development, climate safety, and protecting societies from extremist and hateful rhetoric."
Calling the situation in the Gaza Strip as "a tragic humanitarian deterioration", he affirmed the importance of finding a just and lasting solution "that guarantees the Palestinian people their legitimate right to establish their independent state".
The UAE, he added, is concerned about the hostilities in the region and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities "given the dangerous repercussions this would have and the region's slide into unprecedented levels of instability".
"We emphasise here the UAE's firm position on the necessity of prioritising diplomacy and dialogue to resolve disputes," Mr Ghobash said.
The first EU-GCC summit, held in Brussels last year, was “a real turning point”, Ms Metsola said, concluding her speech with a sense of hope regarding the growing EU-UAE partnership, “which has never mattered more”. She added: “The UAE is always looking to the future”.
High on the agenda is the 18th regular meeting of parliamentary heads from the Gulf Co-operation Council, with Ms Metsola joining the discussions to explore new opportunities for collaboration between the GCC and the EU.
The time of the meeting was important, as “Gulf-EU relations witness an acceleration”, said Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Co-operation Council.
Abolishing Schengen visa requirements for GCC citizens “remains one of the most important demands of the Gulf Co-operation Council”, he added.
Ms Metsosla said: “We want to build on this momentum, and deepen our partnership.”
The second EU-GCC meeting will be held next year. The EU and the UAE are strengthening their bilateral partnership, with a focus on boosting trade, investment and co-operation in areas such as the green transition, maritime security and counter-terrorism. The EU is the UAE's second-largest global trade partner and both sides see potential for further growth.
As part of her broader visit, Ms Metsola is expected to take part in meetings aimed at exchanging expertise and exploring co-ordination across regional and international parliamentary forums.
This follows recent talks at FNC headquarters between Mr Ghobash and Pasquale Tridico, chairman of the European Parliament’s tax subcommittee, which focused on enhancing collaboration and sharing policy insights.
Monday's gathering brought EU diplomats and senior officials together with UAE ministers, including Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Political Minister for Foreign Affairs, for an open dialogue focused on enhancing parliamentary co-operation and fostering alignment on key regional and global issues.
