A European parliamentary official identified 3 priorities for strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to deepen cooperation beyond traditional files, to include security as well as artificial intelligence and communications.

Reinhold Lopatka, a member of the European Parliament, said in a statement to Al-Eqtisadiah at the conclusion of a visit to Saudi Arabia leading a delegation from the European Parliament yesterday that the three priorities for the relationship are: a proposed strategic partnership agreement, progress toward a free trade agreement, and enhanced international coordination, including at the United Nations.

Lopatka described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and affirmed that the European Union desires a deeper partnership with it.

Maritime security is a shared interest

The European parliamentarian highlighted maritime security in the Red Sea, emphasizing the mutual interest of both sides in keeping trade routes open.

He referred to the European Union's operation in the region, saying that cooperation with Saudi Arabia is crucial for global trade.

He added: 'Keeping trade routes open serves the interest of the entire world, not just Europe.'

Lopatka also affirmed that energy cooperation is one of the most practical areas for achieving faster progress between the EU and Saudi Arabia, highlighting solar, wind, and hydrogen as priorities where European expertise and Saudi capabilities can be deployed through concrete projects.

European Parliament

He said that the next 12 to 24 months should be measured by implementation, as European companies, including Austrian companies, will work with Saudi partners on concrete renewable energy and hydrogen projects.

He explained that Europe's renewed focus on defense is linked to its desire to enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of regional security, including efforts to protect commercial navigation and maintain the continuity of trade routes.

Lopatka noted that Europe is now working to close this gap, adding that the EU plans to set its multiannual financial framework for 2028-2035, which will highlight a sharp contrast between past and future defense spending.

He continued: 'In the past seven years, we spent at the European level on defense between 15 and 17.1 billion euros. Now we will spend 150 billion euros.'

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Lopatka said that Europe's renewed focus on defense is linked to its desire to enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in regional security, including efforts to protect commercial navigation and maintain the continuity of trade routes.

The delegation held talks with the leadership of the Shura Council and members of the friendship group with the European Parliament.

The delegation also met with government ministers responsible for foreign affairs, economy, energy, and investment, the head of the Human Rights Commission, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and representatives of the European business community.

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First assessment of renewed geopolitical tensions

In Jeddah, the delegation visited the Jeddah Islamic Port, which provided an opportunity to conduct a first assessment of the renewed geopolitical tensions in the region.

The visit came at a critical juncture for relations between the EU and Saudi Arabia, and between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council, amid the most dangerous regional crisis the region has witnessed in recent times.

The delegation members expressed their full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people, who have faced since late February repeated missile and drone attacks on civilian sites, airports, and oil facilities.

They strongly condemned the indiscriminate Iranian attacks, stressing that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable, and called for full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

The members affirmed that freedom of navigation is a non-negotiable right and a fundamental pillar of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the need to restore safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and welcomed Saudi Arabia's continued support for adherence to international law.

The delegation also expressed the EU's readiness to elevate bilateral relations, particularly through a strategic partnership agreement. It was also briefed on the Saudi side's interest in visa waiver and enhancing trade relations.