The European Union and Gulf countries have postponed a major summit scheduled for Riyadh on October 24, 2026. The European Council announced the decision on Thursday as Yemen’s Houthi group continued attacks on Saudi Arabia. The postponement reflects growing security concerns across the region. Officials have not announced a new date for the meeting.
The summit was set to bring together representatives of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The European Council confirmed that the meeting would not take place as planned. Officials will announce a revised date later. The gathering aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two regional blocs
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Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks in recent days as tensions with the group intensify. According to the report, one attack targeted Riyadh’s international airport. The report described the incident as the kingdom’s deadliest in years. These developments have raised security concerns ahead of the planned diplomatic gathering.
The Gulf Cooperation Council includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Together with the EU, these countries seek stronger trade and security ties. The summit aimed to advance those efforts. However, worsening regional security has disrupted preparations for the meeting.
The gathering was also due to take place amid wider conflict across the Middle East. Regional instability has put pressure on Gulf economies and raised concerns about Europe’s energy supplies. Both regions consider stronger cooperation strategically important. The postponement delays an opportunity for European and Gulf leaders to discuss shared challenges.
In its statement, the European Council reaffirmed the importance of ties between the two regions. The council said the EU remained committed to deeper cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council. It also highlighted progress since their first summit in October 2024. Officials did not provide further details about the revised arrangements.
Saudi Arabia has supported Yemen’s internationally recognised government through a Saudi-led military coalition since 2015. The conflict with the Houthis has fuelled a prolonged civil war and humanitarian crisis. Recent attacks have further heightened regional security concerns. EU and Gulf officials will reschedule the summit and announce a new date later.