European Delegation Praises Growing EU–Saudi Partnership and Regional Cooperation
RIYADH — A European Parliament delegation began a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with talks focused on security cooperation, energy-transition projects, trade priorities, and a proposed strategic partnership between the EU and the Kingdom.
The visit, running through July 21 and covering Riyadh and Jeddah, includes the 18th EU-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia interparliamentary meeting and aims to strengthen parliamentary dialogue. Delegation chair Reinhold Lopatka told Arab News the trip follows concern over military strikes affecting the Kingdom earlier this year, which prompted an ad hoc mission in May.
Lopatka described Saudi Arabia as “by far the biggest and most important country within the Gulf Cooperation Council” and said the EU wants a deeper partnership. He outlined three priorities: a strategic partnership agreement, progress toward a free-trade agreement, and closer international coordination, including at the UN.
On security, Lopatka emphasized maritime cooperation in the Red Sea, saying both sides share an interest in keeping commercial routes open. Energy cooperation was highlighted as a practical area for faster progress, with solar, wind, and hydrogen seen as priorities where European expertise and Saudi capacity can align.
Lopatka also noted Europe’s renewed focus on defense spending, with the EU planning to increase its defense budget from €15 billion to €150 billion in the next seven-year framework. “Saudi Arabia is a place where a lot of European companies are interested because this country is secure and stable, which is very important for investment,” he said.
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