The Gulf region, acting as a vital bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, holds significant importance for the European Union (EU). The stability and security situation in the Gulf directly affect the EU's interests, and there is potential for mutual cooperation invarious fields. The EU, being the world's largest single market and a leader in research, innovation, and multilateralism, can offer substantial benefits to Gulf partners.

The EU-Gulf strategic partnership offers mutual benefits. For the EU, it provides access to vital Gulf markets, strengthens energy security, and aligns efforts in climate action and global health. Simultaneously, the Gulf region gains from EU expertise in innovation, research, and multilateralism, fostering economic growth and addressing shared regional challenges. The value of regional dialogue in tackling current challenges in the Gulf region. However, challenges for a substantial partnership remain, including reconciling diverse interests, promoting stability, and addressing global issues while respecting regional dynamics and priorities.

Success will depend on diplomacy, flexibility, and the ability to find common ground while respecting differences. Both parties must work together to create a framework that addresses these challenges and fosters a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

Building upon the EU's Strategic Partnership with the Gulf, the EU-Gulf Connect platform will promote intensified collaboration between the two regions in trade, energy, security, research and innovation, and cultural exchange. This hub fosters dialogue, knowledge transfer, and expertise sharing among stakeholders from the EU and the Gulf. Its goal is to streamline EU-Gulf relations, enhance regional prosperity, and catalyse discussions on developments in the strategic partnership. The objective is to encourage locally-driven solutions and involve a diverse array of stakeholders.