The second GCC–EU Parliamentary Meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), and to advance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two regions.

The meeting addressed ways to strengthen GCC–EU relations, enhance parliamentary dialogue, and promote coordination on issues of mutual interest. Discussions highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, sustainability, and economic connectivity.

The meeting also emphasized the value of strengthening economic partnerships and creating opportunities for the private sector, supporting shared interests and sustainable development.

This cooperation is particularly relevant to economic relations between Saudi Arabia and EU member states, including the Netherlands, as continued GCC–EU dialogue provides opportunities to strengthen trade and investment partnerships and explore new areas of future cooperation.

Official Sources : GCC General Secretariat
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news-2026-10-16-2.aspx

The General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced the postponement of the second GCC–EU Summit, originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 24 October 2026. A new date will be determined in coordination between the two sides.

The summit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the GCC and the European Union and advance cooperation across political, economic, trade, and investment sectors.

Continued coordination between the two sides highlights the importance of GCC–EU relations in promoting dialogue and cooperation, including ties between Saudi Arabia and EU member states such as the Netherlands.

The rescheduled summit is expected to provide an opportunity to further explore economic and investment cooperation and expand partnerships between the two regions

Official Sources : GCC General Secretariat
https://www.gcc-sg.org/ar/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news-2026-10-15-5.aspx

Researchers from the Netherlands participated in an international research workshop held as part of the academic track of the Fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026 in Riyadh.

Co-organized by the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), the workshop featured 27 selected research abstracts presented by approximately 25 researchers from Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands and several other countries.

Held under UNESCO supervision, the forum provided an international platform for research and dialogue on the responsible and ethical development and use of artificial intelligence.

Official Sources:  (SPA)