Senior EU and GCC officials have held talks in Brussels focused on deepening relationships between the blocs in a number of fields, including climate change, energy and security.
EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, speaking in the Belgium capital ahead of the 26th EU-GCC ministerial meeting, highlighted the extensive economic links between the two regions. He also insisted that the EU “has to engage more” with the GCC.
“Our relationship has to be enhanced, and I think this is a good moment to do so. This is going to be the first step for a stronger and deeper relationship,” Mr Borrell said.
A post-summit joint statement said ministers had stressed the importance of joint action on climate change, protecting the environment and developing renewable energies. They also congratulated the UAE for its planned hosting of the UN climate conference Cop28 next year.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan co-chaired the talks with Mr Borrell.
“We have a strong relationship, especially on the economic side, but it’s important we continue these high-level consultations,” Prince Faisal said.
“We will, I’m sure, be talking about regional security, international peace. But also the agenda that is most important, which is international co-operation vis-a-vis climate change, energy security, but also just deepening the strong bonds and ties between our two collective blocs.”
The GCC and EU are also seeking to enhance relations on education, health and cybersecurity.
Mr Borrell said the EU was looking to appoint a special envoy for the Gulf, in part because of security issues and Iran.
“Not just because of energy, but because in this region the transition towards a green economy will be one of the most important aspects for us, for them, for the humankind,” he said.
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
Company info
Company name: Entrupy
Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist
Based: New York, New York
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 720hp
Torque: 770Nm
Price: Dh1,100,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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