Bilateral will dominate Gulf UK and EU trade advances

Significance

The post-Brexit United Kingdom is eager to conclude economic agreements across the world under its promise to deliver a ‘Global Britain’. The EU wants to increase its visible commercial clout in the Gulf and strengthen its image as a significant geopolitical actor. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are ready to seize the opportunity to boost technology transfers.

Impacts

• The Gulf countries’ increasingly serious shift towards green energy could be a major driver for increased European engagement.
• The GCC countries will seek further investment in their respective education sectors.
• Differences in perspective on human rights issues will lead to tension within the EU itself, as well as with the GCC.