EU and UAE agree to launch free trade talks

Today, President von der Leyen held a cordial phone call with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. During their discussion, they agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement.

This marks a positive step forward in EU–UAE relations and, alongside the negotiation of broader Strategic Partnership Agreements, can serve as a catalyst for stronger ties between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

President von der Leyen emphasised the European Union's strong track record of delivering high-standard trade agreements and building partnerships based on open trade and mutual benefit.

In that spirit, the upcoming negotiations will focus on liberalising trade in goods, services, and investment, while deepening cooperation in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials.

President von der Leyen expressed confidence that both sides can move swiftly and ambitiously. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will soon return to the UAE to take the talks forward.

Delivering a modern and ambitious agreement will not only reinforce EU-UAE relations, but also contribute to broader regional prosperity.