Nov 11, 3:01 PM
EU and Qatar to Hold Defence and Technology Talks in Doha
The bilateral initiative aims to expand security ties, artificial intelligence cooperation, and defense industry links between Europe and Gulf nations.
The European Union and Qatar are preparing to host a seminar on defence technology and artificial intelligence in Doha on 3 December. The initiative aims to connect private defence companies and present European common defence policies to Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council, according to the EU's ambassador to Qatar, Antonino Maggiore, in an interview with Euronews.
Maggiore stated that the European Union seeks to add value to existing bilateral defence partnerships that Qatar maintains with individual member states such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. The European Commission is currently examining options within its multi-annual financial framework to explore structured defence industry cooperation with third-party countries outside the bloc.
The upcoming talks follow the postponement of a planned summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, originally scheduled for 24 October, which was delayed due to regional security tensions in the Gulf. Maggiore noted that despite the delay, diplomatic engagement has continued, referencing a recent visit to Doha by the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio.
According to the ambassador, the bloc supports Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. The diplomatic track was recently underscored by a telephone conversation between the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Both sides also hold aligned positions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing unhindered freedom of navigation without tolls or fees.
On the conflict in Gaza, Maggiore acknowledged that European Union member states maintain differing positions on the crisis, while affirming the bloc's continued focus on humanitarian assistance and diplomatic engagement. Alongside security cooperation, the EU plans to expand economic links, with European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas scheduled to attend the Doha Forum in December. Plans are also underway for the Connect EU initiative to link European and Qatari businesses, alongside talks on visa liberalisation for Qatari citizens and a future strategic partnership agreement.
Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com
