UAE

UAE and European Union Agree to Launch Negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement 

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed—during a phone call on Thursday—to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the European Union.

The UAE President emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the EU and their shared commitment to strengthening these relations, particularly in the economic domain.

He noted that launching negotiations on the CEPA highlights both parties' eagerness to leverage cooperation opportunities to create a qualitative leap in economic, trade, and investment relations for mutual development.

He added that once finalized, the CEPA will open new avenues for cooperation, boost trade and investment flows, and enhance business partnerships between both sides. He affirmed that the UAE-EU relationship is built on a shared vision that promotes stability, growth, and prosperity.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and EU Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, signed a joint declaration of intent to begin CEPA negotiations between the UAE and the European Union.

By reducing tariffs, removing unnecessary trade barriers, and improving market access for goods and services, the CEPA is expected to unlock cooperation across key sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, artificial intelligence, and more.

It is worth noting that the European Union is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for 8.3% of the country’s total non-oil foreign trade.