{"id":1883819,"date":"2026-04-15T16:42:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1883819"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:42:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:42:48","slug":"eu-pursues-deeper-and-stronger-partnerships-with-gulf-states-costa-tells-euronews-in-doha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1883819","title":{"rendered":"EU pursues &#8216;deeper and stronger&#8217; partnerships with Gulf states, Costa tells Euronews in Doha"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/31\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_42abc705-86f9-50c2-a4d3-f204a5a96ee4-9723107.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2886353-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886353\" data-cid=\"9723272\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886353-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/32\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_24884931-7cbc-5ffc-b0d7-9a9c40720669-9723272.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Ukraine\u2019s Mykhailo Fedorov, Germany\u2019s Boris Pistorius and NATO chief Mark Rutte at a Ukraine Contact Group meeting in Berlin, 15.04.26\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    120,000 drones and more missiles: Allies double down on Ukraine aid\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886481-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886481\" data-cid=\"9723259\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886481-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" 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class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/29\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_22293130-b71e-5fd3-ae64-b8408fd6b44a-9722999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Peter Magyar talks to the media before meeting Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok in the presidential Alexander Palace in Budapest, 15 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    P\u00e9ter Magyar says new government could take power at beginning of May\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886497-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2886497\" data-cid=\"9723437\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886497-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/34\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_dbd2ede8-5135-53bf-a894-d1f2ee2eb20b-9723437.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 15th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 15th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886353-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886353\" data-cid=\"9723272\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886353-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/32\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_24884931-7cbc-5ffc-b0d7-9a9c40720669-9723272.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Ukraine\u2019s Mykhailo Fedorov, Germany\u2019s Boris Pistorius and NATO chief Mark Rutte at a Ukraine Contact Group meeting in Berlin, 15.04.26\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    120,000 drones and more missiles: Allies double down on Ukraine aid\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886481-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886481\" data-cid=\"9723259\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886481-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/66\/36\/53\/189x106_cmsv2_b31d620b-6726-5953-a447-9e5d59364d0c-9663653.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A general view of the chamber during an extraordinary plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament proposes 10% increase in EU long-term budget\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886198-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886198\" data-cid=\"9722999\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886198-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/29\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_22293130-b71e-5fd3-ae64-b8408fd6b44a-9722999.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Peter Magyar talks to the media before meeting Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok in the presidential Alexander Palace in Budapest, 15 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    P\u00e9ter Magyar says new government could take power at beginning of May\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886497-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2886497\" data-cid=\"9723437\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886497-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/34\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_dbd2ede8-5135-53bf-a894-d1f2ee2eb20b-9723437.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | April 15th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | April 15th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Qatar<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU pursues &#8216;deeper and stronger&#8217; partnerships with Gulf states, Costa tells Euronews in Doha<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/31\/07\/1536x864_cmsv2_42abc705-86f9-50c2-a4d3-f204a5a96ee4-9723107.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Qatar\u2019s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Qatar\u2019s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">QNA<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0QNA\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAadel Haleem&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspPeter Barabas\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1776271368\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-04-15 18:42:48 +02:00\">15\/04\/2026 &#8211; 18:42 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"18:43\">18:43<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center 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class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        In the highest-level EU visit to the Gulf since the Iran war started, European Council President Antonio Costa reinforced the EU\u2019s strategic partnerships with the Gulf states and pushed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of \u201cdisastrous consequences\u201d.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>European Council President Antonio Costa called for a \u201cdeeper and stronger\u201d engagement between the 27-member bloc and the Gulf states as he concluded his tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar in Doha on Wednesday, \u201cat a critical moment in the context of a fragile ceasefire and unjustifiable attacks by Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The UAE and Qatar have repeatedly hailed the EU\u2019s role in defending and supporting the Gulf during Iran\u2019s onslaught, with Qatar saying, \u201cthis is the time when you know who your friends are\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Costa\u2019s visit now marks the start of an energised chapter of engagement between Europe and the Gulf as the entire Middle East landscape is being reshaped by the war in Iran. <\/p>\n<p>In response to Euronews, the European Council president said Gulf leaders told him that \u201cmore than ever it&#8217;s important that the European Union and the Gulf cooperation countries could work together,\u201d adding that the \u201cEU is keen to do this\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are negotiating free trade agreements with some of them, there is a partnership with the others, and we are talking with all of them\u201d, Costa told Euronews. <\/p>\n<p>Costa further underlined the reinforced EU trajectory towards new partnerships in the Gulf, shaped by Europe\u2019s political and military response to the Iran war, with European fighter jets and other military capabilities deployed to defend the Gulf states against Iranian attacks. <\/p>\n<p>He also thanked the Gulf states for their care towards European citizens living in the region. <\/p>\n<p>Costa told Euronews that as a result, the EU will by the end of the year hold a second summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the region, seeking to \u201cidentify, build and have concrete deliverables\u201d for it because \u201cmore than ever, it&#8217;s very important that we achieve this\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are here to support the region&#8217;s stability and security\u201d, Costa said in Doha as the conclusion of his tour, emphasising that \u201cthe Gulf countries can count on the European Union now and in the future\u201d and that the \u201cEuropean Union is a reliable and predictable partner for the Gulf.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Stable ceasefire and freedom of navigation<\/h2>\n<p>The EU Council president said the purpose of his visit was also \u201cto listen to the Gulf leaders and to offer the EU\u2019s support for two priorities,\u201d which are securing a stable ceasefire and ensuring maritime routes are reopened.<\/p>\n<p>Costa\u2019s first priority in his talks with Gulf leaders was \u201cworking towards a stable and lasting ceasefire that could pave the way to sustainable peace in the region.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is essential that all parties use the momentum created by the recent United States-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>The second priority is \u201crestoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz which is crucial and urgent,\u201d according to the Council chief.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are vital arteries for the global economy, supply chains and world trade, and this war has already had disastrous consequences that are being felt all over the world, and that will only get worse with every day without a solution to this conflict,&#8221; Costa warned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEurope is committed to help guarantee the safe and impeded passage of ships which is the objective of the coalition of countries that France and the United Kingdom are assembling with partners around the world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Council president pointed out that the challenges to peace are posed by Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, but also its ballistic missile programme, as well as its support of proxies who destabilise the region, together with the blockade of international sea lanes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis war has already had disastrous consequences that are being felt all over the world, and that will only get worse without a solution,\u201d Costa said.<\/p>\n<p>Addressing the media in Doha, Costa hailed Qatar\u2019s role as \u201can honest broker for peace and stability in the region proven during the war in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The EU relies on Qatar to continue its efforts towards stabilising the ceasefire, while Doha repeatedly hailed what it calls Qatar\u2019s \u201cstrategic partnership\u201d with the EU, he said.<\/p>\n<p>The EU Council president held talks with Qatar\u2019s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday, also focusing on the war in Gaza and the unfolding crisis in Lebanon.<\/p>\n<p>The stability of global energy markets and that of vital maritime routes for energy shipments were key aspects of the talks, Qatar\u2019s state news agency reported, and the two leaders\u2019 discussions focused on energy, trade and investment as part of the Qatar-EU strategic partnership.<\/p>\n<h2>Israel-Lebanon talks to continue &#8216;for the sake of the people&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p>In parallel, the European Council chief commended Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for what he called the \u201chistoric decision to ban the military activities of Hezbollah,\u201d which poses \u201can existential threat to Lebanon and a destabilising factor for international peace and security. \u201c<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe European Union will continue to support Lebanon, empowering the authorities to disarm Hezbollah as it is the only sustainable solution for restoring Lebanon&#8217;s international stability\u201d, Costa said.<\/p>\n<p>He further called for the Israel-Lebanon talks to continue, \u201cto ensure the sovereignty of Lebanon \u2026 for the sake of the people and for the prospect of peace\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The Council president concluded his Gulf tour with a plea that \u201cin these challenging times we need to uphold the international rules-based order, because the alternative is the chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is what we have seen in Ukraine, this is what we are seeing here in the Gulf and in Iran,\u201c Costa concluded.<\/p>\n<p>Costa\u2019s visit comes after intense engagement by EU special envoy Luigi Di Maio and EU diplomats in the Gulf, especially during the Iran war.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      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European Union president<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Doha<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886362-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886362\" data-cid=\"9722784\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886362-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886172\" data-cid=\"9721757\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Conservative MP reportedly calls for DJ Haram to be barred from UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">European Council President Antonio Costa called for a \u201cdeeper and stronger\u201d engagement between the 27-member bloc and the Gulf states as he concluded his tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar in Doha on Wednesday, \u201cat a critical moment in the context of a fragile ceasefire and unjustifiable attacks by Iran.\u201dThe UAE and Qatar have repeatedly hailed the EU\u2019s role in defending and supporting the Gulf during Iran\u2019s onslaught, with Qatar saying, \u201cthis is the time when you know who your friends are\u201d.Costa\u2019s visit now marks the start of an energised chapter of engagement between Europe and the Gulf as the entire Middle East landscape is being reshaped by the war in Iran.\u00a0In response to Euronews, the European Council president said Gulf leaders told him that \u201cmore than ever it&#8217;s important that the European Union and the Gulf cooperation countries could work together,\u201d adding that the \u201cEU is keen to do this\u201d.\u201cWe are negotiating free trade agreements with some of them, there is a partnership with the others, and we are talking with all of them\u201d, Costa told Euronews.Costa further underlined the reinforced EU trajectory towards new partnerships in the Gulf, shaped by Europe\u2019s political and military response to the Iran war, with European fighter jets and other military capabilities deployed to defend the Gulf states against Iranian attacks.He also thanked the Gulf states for their care towards European citizens living in the region.\u00a0Costa told Euronews that as a result, the EU will by the end of the year hold a second summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the region, seeking to \u201cidentify, build and have concrete deliverables\u201d for it because \u201cmore than ever, it&#8217;s very important that we achieve this\u201d.\u201cWe are here to support the region&#8217;s stability and security\u201d, Costa said in Doha as the conclusion of his tour, emphasising that \u201cthe Gulf countries can count on the European Union now and in the future\u201d and that the \u201cEuropean Union is a reliable and predictable partner for the Gulf.\u201dStable ceasefire and freedom of navigationThe EU Council president said the purpose of his visit was also \u201cto listen to the Gulf leaders and to offer the EU\u2019s support for two priorities,\u201d which are securing a stable ceasefire and ensuring maritime routes are reopened.Costa\u2019s first priority in his talks with Gulf leaders was \u201cworking towards a stable and lasting ceasefire that could pave the way to sustainable peace in the region.&#8221;\u201cIt is essential that all parties use the momentum created by the recent United States-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan,&#8221; he said.The second priority is \u201crestoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz which is crucial and urgent,\u201d according to the Council chief.\u201cThe Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are vital arteries for the global economy, supply chains and world trade, and this war has already had disastrous consequences that are being felt all over the world, and that will only get worse with every day without a solution to this conflict,&#8221; Costa warned.\u201cEurope is committed to help guarantee the safe and impeded passage of ships which is the objective of the coalition of countries that France and the United Kingdom are assembling with partners around the world.&#8221;The Council president pointed out that the challenges to peace are posed by Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, but also its ballistic missile programme, as well as its support of proxies who destabilise the region, together with the blockade of international sea lanes.\u201cThis war has already had disastrous consequences that are being felt all over the world, and that will only get worse without a solution,\u201d Costa said.Addressing the media in Doha, Costa hailed Qatar\u2019s role as \u201can honest broker for peace and stability in the region proven during the war in Gaza.\u201dThe EU relies on Qatar to continue its efforts towards stabilising the ceasefire, while Doha repeatedly hailed what it calls Qatar\u2019s \u201cstrategic partnership\u201d with the EU, he said.The EU Council president held talks with Qatar\u2019s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday, also focusing on the war in Gaza and the unfolding crisis in Lebanon.The stability of global energy markets and that of vital maritime routes for energy shipments were key aspects of the talks, Qatar\u2019s state news agency reported, and the two leaders\u2019 discussions focused on energy, trade and investment as part of the Qatar-EU strategic partnership.Israel-Lebanon talks to continue &#8216;for the sake of the people&#8217;In parallel, the European Council chief commended Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for what he called the \u201chistoric decision to ban the military activities of Hezbollah,\u201d which poses \u201can existential threat to Lebanon and a destabilising factor for international peace and security. \u201c\u201cThe European Union will continue to support Lebanon, empowering the authorities to disarm Hezbollah as it is the only sustainable solution for restoring Lebanon&#8217;s international stability\u201d, Costa said.He further called for the Israel-Lebanon talks to continue, \u201cto ensure the sovereignty of Lebanon \u2026 for the sake of the people and for the prospect of peace\u201d.The Council president concluded his Gulf tour with a plea that \u201cin these challenging times we need to uphold the international rules-based order, because the alternative is the chaos.\u201d\u201cThis is what we have seen in Ukraine, this is what we are seeing here in the Gulf and in Iran,\u201c Costa concluded.Costa\u2019s visit comes after intense engagement by EU special envoy Luigi Di Maio and EU diplomats in the Gulf, especially during the Iran war.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/15\/eu-pursues-deeper-and-stronger-partnerships-with-gulf-states-costa-tells-euronews-in-doha&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/31\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_42abc705-86f9-50c2-a4d3-f204a5a96ee4-9723107.jpg&#8221;] Europe News 120,000 drones and more missiles: Allies double down on Ukraine aid Europe News European Parliament proposes 10% increase in EU long-term budget Europe News P\u00e9ter Magyar says new government could take power at beginning of May Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | April 15th, 2026 \u2013 Evening Europe 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