RELATIONS WITH THE EU
The European Union and Kuwait
The European Union (EU) enjoys long-established relationships with the State of Kuwait as well as the other GCC countries (the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates) across a range of issues at both political and technical levels, namely in the area of economic cooperation and trade.
Political Relations
The relations between the EU and Kuwait have been historically strong. Our bilateral relations have witnessed a major boost in recent times. Kuwait was the first country in the Gulf to sign a Cooperation Arrangement with the European External Action Service (EEAS) in July 2016. The Cooperation Arrangement provides a platform for regular political consultations covering common regional challenges in the Middle East and beyond. It also provides for sectoral consultations in the fields of energy (including clean and renewable energy), security and counter-terrorism, development cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
On 18 May 2022, the EU issued a joint communication on strategic partnership with the Gulf including Kuwait. The communication sets out a path for the EU to develop a closer partnership with GCC countries, in several priority areas. These include trade and investment, fighting climate change, ensuring energy security and a smooth green transition, safeguarding global health, meeting growing global development and humanitarian needs and promoting peace and stability, including the de-escalation of tensions, in the broader region.
Economic Relations
Economic ties between the EU and Kuwait are also an important element of the bilateral relations as the EU is the second biggest trade partner for Kuwait. The EU and Kuwait are engaged in regular dialogue on trade and investment as well as macroeconomic issues under the GCC framework. The EU is keen to enhance this dialogue in support of Kuwait's "Vision 2035" to diversify its economy, building on the long-established ties that EU Member States enjoy with Kuwait.
Civil Society
Kuwaiti people and civil society in Kuwait are an integral part of the relations between the EU and Kuwait. On a people-to-people level, the EU offers the opportunity to students, researchers and higher education and research institutions from Kuwait to participate in Erasmus+ and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, with special funding allocated to support candidates from the Gulf region.
In December 2018, the EU awarded the Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC Region to LOYAC, a Kuwait-based non-profit organisation working on the professional development and personal growth of young people, in recognition of its great work in empowering youth and women, and in enriching civic and cultural life in Kuwait.
In 2020, the Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC Region was awarded to “Gray Area”, a Kuwaiti civil society initiative that aims to raise awareness of the social stigmas and legal inequalities experienced by children of Kuwaiti mothers and non-Kuwaiti fathers.
In 2023, the EU awarded the Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC Region to Kuwait Society for Human Rights, for their longstanding dedication to protect and raise awareness about migrant workers' rights in Kuwait.
The EU also regularly supports cultural activities in Kuwait, in partnership with local civil society organisations. Youth engagement and women empowerment are an integral part of the activities in various fields.