EU to Expand Mid-East Role :EU Council aims to play major role in Gulf geopolitics, security and stability
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com
Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com
The European Council is set to elevate its strategic plan in the Gulf region, focusing on geopolitics, stability, security, and multilateral cooperation to achieve the long-lasting peace in the region. This ambition was unveiled by Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, during a press conference in Manama as part of his official visit to Bahrain.
“We will be playing a more crucial, influential, and positive role to bring peace to the region,” the EU President remarked. Michel’s visit to Bahrain is part of a Gulf tour that includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. The tour serves as a precursor to the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European Union summit, which is scheduled for October in Brussels.
In his meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President Michel discussed key regional and international issues, with a focus on the Middle East, particularly the Gaza situation.
“It is very important to listen to the advice and opinion of His Majesty the King for the prior preparation of the summit, especially to create a successful political moment,” Michel told The Daily Tribune. HM the King emphasized the importance of securing a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those affected, alleviating their suffering.
He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to a lasting and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, which would enhance stability and security in the region. Reflecting His Majesty’s statement, Michel affirmed that a ceasefire and the release of hostages are key priorities for the EU Council. “Security is the major challenge, but peace is always the best guarantee.
We are eager to provide humanitarian assistance,” he said. Michel also highlighted a recent conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, in which he reiterated the EU’s support for a two-state solution, noting that the EU is continuously monitoring the situation in the region.
Cooperation
The EU Council is actively working to establish a European Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain, aiming to maximize the potential of cooperation between the two sides. The EU ambassador to Bahrain will hold a formal meeting with the working group next week to discuss progress. “This long-standing relationship is based on trust from your side, and it reflects the positive outcomes of our meeting with His Majesty the King,” Michel stated.
Visa waiver
President Michel also provided updates on the visa waiver process for Bahrainis, citing the success of the EU’s “visa cascade” system. “We recently made important progress with the visa cascade, which is a practical and useful framework. Based on the numbers, more than 99% of applicants for a visa cascade have been successful,” Michel noted. He added that the system could eventually pave the way for full visa waiver access to the Schengen territory in the next year.
First GCC-EU Summit
The upcoming GCC-EU summit in October will mark the first of its kind at the leadership level between the EU and Gulf countries. Michel emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “We hope to use this summit as a political momentum to upgrade the relationship between the Gulf countries and the EU to a more strategic level.”
Key areas of focus during the summit will include growth, investments, economic development, and trade. Michel acknowledged past challenges in negotiating trade agreements but expressed optimism that the summit would renew efforts and inject strong political impressions to succeed.
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