RIYADH: The European Parliament on Tuesday endorsed a roadmap to boost EU-Saudi relations into a full-fledged strategic partnership, marking what Saudi Ambassador to the EU Haifa Al-Jedea described as “an important milestone” in the evolution of bilateral ties.
Parliamentarians overwhelmingly supported deepening collaboration with Saudi Arabia on the political, economic, and social levels in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, acknowledging the Kingdom’s growing geopolitical role as a diplomatic actor who made significant contributions to regional and global stability.
The report recognizes the Kingdom’s expanding diplomatic footprint in the context of the wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Yemen, as well as maritime security in the Red Sea.
It highlights Saudi Arabia’s hosting of peace talks, ceasefire negotiations, and its leading role in reviving the two-state solution for the longstanding Palestine-Israel conflict and inclusive peace processes across the region — including in Syria, Sudan, and Lebanon.
The report outlined enhanced cooperation across a wide spectrum — from energy security and economic diversification to human rights dialogue, regional diplomacy, and cross-cultural exchanges.
It comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing sweeping reforms under Vision 2030 and expanding its global role in regional diplomacy, infrastructure development, and green energy transitions.
Members of the European Parliament noted that Saudi Arabia’s reforms opened new opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared interest including economic diversification, innovation, climate action, education, and regional stability.
“The Kingdom is engaged in a broad process of transformation that is unprecedented in its scope,” Al-Jadea told Arab News.
“By unlocking new horizons for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the EU, we can co-create solutions that advance growth, stability, and opportunity — not just for our peoples but for the wider global arena.”
The report, adopted by 417 votes in favor, backs the start of negotiations for a strategic partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a “pivotal opportunity” to align foreign policy, energy security, and regional stability under a common framework.
In line with the report, the EU has appointed for the first time a dedicated rapporteur for EU-Saudi relations.
“This reflects not only Saudi Arabia’s growing strategic importance — including as a leading member of the Gulf Cooperation Council — but also the Parliament’s intention to play a more proactive role in shaping this evolving partnership,” the report read.
The new rapporteur, Hana Jalloul Muro, vice-chair for the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, said in a statement that the report comes “at a pivotal moment, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical role in Ukraine, Gaza and Syria.”
She reiterated support of this “engagement and progress” as EU-GCC strategic ties advance.
The report also underscored Saudi Arabia’s importance as both a traditional energy partner and a future green energy leader. It highlighted major potential for cooperation in renewables, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials.
The Kingdom’s pledge to produce four million tonnes of clean hydrogen annually by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 was commended as a cornerstone of future joint ventures.
Saudi Arabia is now among the top 10 global energy storage markets, with the EU aiming to leverage its advanced clean tech capabilities for joint sustainability projects.
The parliament also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s strides in entrepreneurship and economic reform, inviting deeper cooperation on sustainable energy, critical raw materials, information technology, and entrepreneurship — areas where European investors and tech players are expected to play a growing role.
The report stressed that economic cooperation was “the cornerstone” of the Saudi-EU ties.
“Together, Saudi Arabia and Europe can reimagine how renewable energy and connectivity power sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and link our regions in ways that benefit the global economy,” Al-Jedea told Arab News.
“Impactful growth can be achieved if we move forward together, with confidence, mutual respect, and a shared belief in a brighter future.”
While urging continued progress on reform, the European Parliament acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s “meaningful social transformation,” citing rising female workforce participation (now at 36 percent), the abolition of male guardianship restrictions, and the launch of curriculum reforms to promote tolerance.
It welcomed the EU-Saudi Human Rights Dialogue as a platform for mutual engagement, calling for more concrete outcomes — such as time-bound reforms and independent oversight.
It also urged faster progress on visa liberalization, calling on the European Commission to explore a Schengen visa waiver for Saudi citizens.
It recommended boosting academic and cultural exchange through Erasmus Mundus, Horizon Europe, and youth mobility programs.
Saudi Arabia’s growing contribution to tourism, investment and innovation in EU states — as well as the increasing number of Saudi nationals in senior diplomatic, academic, and entrepreneurial roles — were also emphasized as key trends shaping the future of bilateral ties.
Through the report, parliamentarians supported stronger foreign and security policy cooperation with the Kingdom to advance regional and global stability.
They called for greater efforts and collaboration with Saudi Arabia on counterterrorism and anti-radicalization efforts, as well as closer political and intelligence cooperation.
“Ultimately, the message is clear: the EU and Saudi Arabia share a strong mutual interest in working together,” the report read.
“With mutual respect, open dialogue, and a pragmatic, forward-looking approach, this partnership can contribute meaningfully to addressing the complex challenges of today’s interconnected world.”
