On Friday, senior officials and experts from Europe and the Gulf convened in Milan to bolster ties between the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), addressing escalating regional instability.
Hosted at Palazzo Clerici, this significant event was organized by the Doha Forum in collaboration with MED Dialogues, the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, and the Center for International Policy Research.
Under the theme “Bridging Stability: EU-GCC Cooperation in an Era of Fragmentation,” dialogues focused on collaborative approaches to emerging regional issues and the evolving geopolitical landscape following recent Middle Eastern conflicts.
Discussions highlighted the ongoing Iranian conflict and its ramifications for regional stability, global energy markets, and economic security, emphasizing the necessity for deeper EU-GCC cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and crisis management.
The sessions paid special regard to pivotal regions in the Gulf, the Levant, and essential maritime trade routes vital for global energy and commerce.
The plenary featured Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Luigi Di Maio.
During his address, Dr. Al Ansari articulated the Gulf's role as a “stable partner for Europe in security and energy,” asserting that the current regional crisis underscores the profound mutual interests.
He emphasized that achieving future stability would necessitate ongoing and structured partnerships capable of navigating periods of unrest.
Luigi Di Maio stated that security matters in the Gulf and Europe are “interlinked and inseparable,” highlighting the critical need for stronger alliances and trust to tackle shared challenges effectively.
Closed sessions focused on post-conflict regional dynamics, defense cooperation, and energy security, with participants stressing the importance of transforming diplomatic dialogue into actionable strategies.
The event culminated in a reception by the Consulate General of Qatar in Milan.
The organizers announced that the Doha Forum 2026 will take place in Doha on December 5-6, 2026, under the theme “Redefining Global Trust,” which aims to gather world leaders to foster international cooperation in our rapidly evolving global landscape.
