Saudi Arabia: 5th EU–KSA Human Rights Dialogue held in Brussels

The fifth Human Rights Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) took place in Brussels on 17 November 2025. The exchanges were held in a constructive and forward-looking atmosphere, reflecting the growing cooperation of the two sides on the Human Rights issues and building on the overall strengthening of the EU-Saudi partnership. 

The Dialogue covered a wide range of topics, including women’s rights and the protection of vulnerable groups, the rule of law, fair trial guarantees and capital punishment, economic, social and cultural rights, freedoms of expression, assembly and association, and digital rights and the human rights implications of new technologies. Both sides also exchanged views on cooperation in multilateral fora, ratification of international treaties, engagement with UN Special Procedures, and follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review.

The EU recognised important ongoing reforms undertaken by Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, particularly in women’s empowerment, labour rights and digital governance, while KSA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights as a key priority to consolidate stability domestically and in the region. The EU stressed the importance of protecting the full range of fundamental freedoms and encouraged continued expansion of civic space and alignment with international standards. 

The EU expressed its principled opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances expressing concerns about the sharp rise in executions in KSA. The EU encouraged the KSA to ensure that all existing and new legislation, including the Penal Code, comply with international human rights standards. 

The EU also raised a number of individual cases of concern and asked for increased access to trial observations. KSA raised concerns regarding discrimination cases against individuals of Muslim faith, as well on the limitations to freedom of assembly in EU Member States.

The EU and KSA discussed the importance of continuing their meaningful and regular engagement through the Human Rights Dialogue and identified several areas for deeper exchanges, including support to civil society, freedom of expression, housing and social protection, digital governance and the use of artificial intelligence.

The meeting was co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, and the President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, Hala al-Tuwaijri.

The EU and KSA agreed to hold their next Human Rights Dialogue in Riyadh in 2026.