In recent strategic discussions between the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates), both sides have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and expressed a shared interest in deepening economic relations, including cross-regional trade and investment cooperation. The European Commission has been authorised by the Council to negotiate bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs) with each GCC state that can encompass trade, investment, and related regulatory cooperation. At the same time, a bilateral free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates is underway, and future cooperation with other GCC countries could take the form of either bilateral negotiations or a broader regional pact.