EU-GCC summit in Riyadh postponed due to security concerns

The second European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, originally scheduled for October 24, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been officially postponed. The European Council confirmed the delay, noting that a new date for the event will be announced in due course.

While the European Union emphasized its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two regions, reports suggest the postponement was requested by the Saudi Arabian side. According to secondary sources, the decision was driven by security concerns following recent Houthi attacks. These security threats have led to the ongoing closure of the King Khalid International Airport, which was intended to be the entry point for foreign delegations. The GCC cited the need to ensure the safety of participants as the primary reason for the cancellation.

The postponement marks a significant challenge for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host major international events amidst regional instability. The partnership between the EU and the GCC remains a priority for both entities, following the momentum generated during the inaugural summit held in October 2024. As of now, the situation remains under review, and no future date for the summit has been determined.