GCC-EU diplomatic relations and summit preparations

Saudi Arabia has extended formal invitations to the leaders of Kuwait and Bahrain to attend the second GCC-EU Summit, scheduled for October 2026. The invitations were delivered via written messages through Saudi ambassadors to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. King Hamad noted the summit’s importance in strengthening the partnership and historical cooperation between the GCC and the European Union.

Following these diplomatic preparations, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi indicated that the council is nearing the start of a formal process to waive Schengen visa requirements for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Al-Budaiwi stated that the move is ‘very close’ to beginning.

On October 24, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted five official conclusions to initiate the process of studying potential Schengen visa waivers for these five GCC nations. While the Council welcomed the European Commission’s initiative, it emphasized that EU institutions and member states must be involved in all negotiation stages. Any final waiver remains contingent upon each country meeting specific technical and security criteria through independent, comprehensive assessments. No official timeline has been set for implementation.

Currently, the United Arab Emirates is the only GCC nation with a short-stay visa-free arrangement with the European Union. The summit is also expected to address regional issues, though a comprehensive free trade agreement between the GCC and the EU remains stalled due to disagreements over specific clauses.