EU deepens strategic partnership with Gulf monarchies amid shifting global power balance

The European Union is seeking a third‑way strategy between a protectionist United States and a norms‑driven China by strengthening ties with Gulf monarchies. Through the Global Gateway programme, Europe aims to turn oil‑rich Gulf investments into industrial and technological cooperation, with projects in artificial intelligence, data centres and localised manufacturing, and an expanding military partnership that includes joint operations and equipment sharing.

At the same time, the United States has denied any shortage of its own munitions even as Ukraine launches large drone raids, highlighting pressure on global defence supply chains. Europe’s response includes France’s 2024‑2030 military‑programming law allocating €413 billion, and the deployment of the French army to combat a megafire in Gironde, underscoring the overlap between civil protection and defence resources.

Together, these developments illustrate Europe’s pivot toward Gulf financial and industrial support while navigating constraints in US munitions capacity and broader security challenges.