MEPs call for stronger cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Cooperation must be based on a shared commitment to respect for international law

Economic cooperation is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship

Saudi Arabia is an important diplomatic actor

In a new report, Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs focus on Saudi Arabia's growing geopolitical role in the Middle East and converging views with the EU on key regional and global issues.

MEPs support stronger foreign and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia, in the light of escalating regional tensions. In a report adopted on 4 November, they say such cooperation must be based on a shared commitment to respect for international law, including human rights, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter. They also express support for commencing negotiations on a strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Economic cooperation as cornerstone

Affirming the EU’s aim to boost bilateral ties with each Gulf Cooperation Council partner, MEPs point to the potential for deeper cooperation with Saudi Arabia in areas such as foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment or energy and climate. Noting that economic cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, they underline the potential for further EU-Saudi Arabia economic collaboration in the area of sustainable energy, critical raw materials, information technology, and entrepreneurship.

The report underlines Saudi Arabia’s growing importance as a diplomatic actor and its significant contributions to regional and global stability, particularly in the context of military operations in Gaza, as well as in recent developments in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, the Red Sea and Sudan.

Commitment to maritime security

MEPs call on Saudi Arabia to continue EU-Saudi Arabian cooperation on counterterrorism and anti-radicalisation efforts, underlining that this must be conducted in line with international human rights standards. Stressing the EU’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the protection of maritime routes and international navigational rights in the Red Sea, MEPs highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maritime security and call for closer political and intelligence cooperation with EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and with EU member states more broadly.

Human rights and fundamental freedoms remain central to the EU-Saudi Arabia relationship, MEPs argue. The report acknowledges progress in areas such as women’s empowerment and civil society participation, while encouraging continued reform and greater alignment with international human rights standards.

Quote

The rapporteur Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D, Spain) said: “This report strengthens EU-Saudi ties at a pivotal moment, recognising Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical role in Ukraine, Gaza and Syria. As EU-Gulf Cooperation Council strategic partnership agreements advance, we support engagement, progress and the need to uphold international law and human rights with a reliable partner.”

The report was adopted by 40 votes in favour, 10 against and 8 abstentions.

Next steps

Parliament as a whole will vote on the draft resolution at one of the plenary sessions in Strasbourg.