EU, UAE to start free trade talks: Ursula von der Leyen

IANS April 11, 2025 295 views

The European Union and United Arab Emirates are initiating comprehensive free trade negotiations, signaling a strategic economic partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of these talks for strengthening bilateral relations. The negotiations will focus on liberalizing trade in goods, services, and investments, with particular attention to renewable energy and critical raw materials. This move comes as the EU seeks to diversify its trading partners and deepen economic cooperation with Gulf region countries.

"This marks a positive step forward in EU-UAE relations" - European Commission Statement
EU, UAE to start free trade talks: Ursula von der Leyen
Brussels, April 11: The European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to kick off free trade negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Key Points

1

EU seeks to diversify trade partners through UAE negotiations

2

Talks will cover goods, services, and renewable energy

3

Strategic partnership aims to strengthen economic ties

4

Commissioner Sefcovic to advance discussions soon

"This marks a positive step forward in EU-UAE relations and, alongside the negotiation of broader Strategic Partnership Agreements, can serve as a catalyst for stronger ties between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," the Commission said in a statement on Thursday.

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic is expected to travel to the UAE soon to advance the discussions, Xinhua news agency reported.

The negotiations will aim to liberalise trade in goods, services, and investment, while expanding cooperation in strategic areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials, the Commission said.

Although US President Donald Trump abruptly announced a 90-day pause on the sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs he unveiled last week, which include a 20 per cent levy on the EU imports, EU is scrambling to diversify trading partners.

Von der Leyen expressed confidence about the progress, saying both sides were committed to moving "swiftly and ambitiously."

The EU is the UAE's second-largest trade partner, accounting for $67.6 billion in non-oil trade in 2024. It represents 8.3 per cent of the UAE's total non-oil foreign trade, according to UAE official data.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is great news! More trade partnerships mean more opportunities for businesses on both sides. The renewable energy focus is especially exciting 🌱
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Mohammed A.
As someone working in Dubai's logistics sector, I'm curious how this will affect import/export procedures. Hopefully it simplifies customs processes while maintaining quality standards.
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Lena P.
I appreciate the focus on green hydrogen and renewables, but I hope the EU maintains strong environmental protections in these agreements. Trade shouldn't come at the cost of sustainability.
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Thomas R.
$67.6 billion in non-oil trade is impressive! Shows how much the UAE has diversified. Smart move by the EU to strengthen ties while the US is being unpredictable with tariffs.
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Aisha M.
Will this make European products more affordable in the UAE? 👀 As a consumer, I'm hoping for better prices on quality imports!
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Paul D.
While I support trade agreements generally, I'm concerned about labor rights provisions. The EU should ensure these deals include strong protections for workers in both regions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
EU Trade Talks Ursula von der Leyen UAE Trade European Commission Free Trade Agreement Gulf Cooperation Council
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