The European Union and the State of Qatar
The EU and Qatar, a monarchy ruled by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani since 2013, have developed a diplomatic relationship centred on common political and regional interests.
The legal framework of the EU-Qatar relations was based on the 1988 EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Cooperation Agreement, a region to region relationship with the countries of the GCC and later upon the Cooperation Arrangement, signed between the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in March 2018.
The EU opened a Delegation in Doha in September 2022, following the conclusion of an Agreement on the Establishment of an EU Delegation. It was inaugurated by the President of the Council of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel.
As the EU and Qatar continue to strengthen their partnership, the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Qatar plays a vital role in advancing this engagement through political dialogue, development cooperation, public diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges.
EU-GCC Relations
The first ever EU-GCC Summit was organised in Brussels in October 2024, during the rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council by the State of Qatar. The Summit was co-hosted by the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The importance attached by the EU to the Gulf Region in general and to the State in Qatar in particular is also reflected in the EU’s Joint Communication on a “Strategic Partnership with the Gulf”, adopted in May 2022.
In this context, in May 2023, the Council appointed Luigi Di Maio as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Gulf region.
Political Relations
The 2018 Cooperation Arrangement gave new impetus to our bilateral relation, providing a distinct framework for political and sectoral consultations on the areas of mutual interest, including private sector development and research and innovation. These are key areas for Qatar’s diversification efforts and the country's transformation agenda, contained in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The EU-Qatar relationship has significantly intensified in recent years. Qatar played a pivotal role during the 2021 evacuation efforts from Afghanistan, including the facilitation of safe passage for EU citizens. More recently, Qatar has emphasized its role as an active regional diplomatic actor, contributing to de-escalation efforts and humanitarian initiatives amid global crises.
Currently, the EU and Qatar hold annually a Political Dialogue as well as a Senior Officials meeting focusing on three key dialogue sessions covering (i) trade and economic issues, (ii) the global agenda, and (iii) peace, security and counter-terrorism. An annual Human Rights Dialogue also takes place between the two sides.
A New Phase of Engagement
In the context of Qatar National Vision 2030, the EU has deepened cooperation with Qatar on areas supporting the country’s diversification and modernization agenda, particularly in the fields of green energy, innovation, education, and investment.
The EU is the largest source for Qatari imports, with over 20% of all Qatari imports coming from EU member states. The EU ranks as Qatar’s second destination for Qatari exports, behind China.
In November 2024 and during the Qatari rotating chairmanship of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the EU organised the 8th EU-GCC Business Forum, titled: “Strengthening EU-GCC Connectivity for a Sustainable Future”
In October 2024, the EU funded and organised the “Forging Qatari-EU Partnerships for Sustainable Food Security" event, discussing food security.
In 2023, the EU Delegation organised in collaboration with M7, Qatar's epicentre for innovation in fashion, design, and technology, an event titled "Unlocking the Economic Potential of Qatar’s Creative and Cultural Industries”. The event gathered industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, aiming to accelerate Qatar's Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs).
Engagement with the local society
Since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Doha, there has been a strong and meaningful engagement with the local society, through cultural exchanges and sport diplomacy.
In November 2025 we hosted the first EU Youth Short Film Festival, Frames, Reframed, at the Doha Beach Club, marking a unique collaboration between European and Qatari filmmakers. Over two days, the festival attracted a vibrant audience for the film screenings and masterclasses, showcasing the thriving art of short filmmaking across both regions. The festival highlighted the power of storytelling to connect cultures and foster understanding.
Similarly, our sport diplomacy activities focused on creating a platform for debates on social matters and on giving back to the local community.
As flagship events, during the summer, in 2023 and 2024, the EU Delegation initiated summer camps for underprivileged children; first from the Syrian community residing in Qatar (2023) and second from the Palestinians who were evacuated from Gaza (2024).
All the major cultural activities of the EU and its Member States in Qatar can be found at our dedicated website: https://eunited.qa/