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The Gulf Cooperation Council General Secretariat announced on October 15, 2026 the rescheduling of its summit with the European Union that was due to take place in Riyadh on October 24. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the decision was taken in light of the terrorist Houthi militia’s continued attempts to target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its civilian objects, threatening the security and safety of innocent civilians. The statement cited the extended suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport as an additional factor, stressing that the move was made out of keenness to ensure the safety of participating delegations. Albudaiwi underscored the determination of both the GCC and the EU to establish appropriate conditions for convening the summit to advance cooperation across numerous fields.
The European Council said in a statement that a new date for the summit would be announced in due course while emphasising the great strategic importance of ties with the Gulf region. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the partnership that was elevated during the first joint summit held in Brussels in October 2024, according to the joint statement issued at the time. That inaugural gathering under the theme “Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” saw leaders agree to regular biennial summits, with the second one slated for Saudi Arabia this year. They also pledged to enhance collaboration on trade, sustainable energy, connectivity and regional security issues.
Recent Houthi attacks have intensified pressure on Saudi Arabia’s ability to host international events, with a strike on King Khalid International Airport over the previous weekend killing 13 people and wounding hundreds, Reuters reported. The airport closure has directly impacted plans for the arrival of European and Gulf dignitaries who were to attend the high-level meeting. Bloomberg noted that the summit was intended to bring together leaders from all six GCC countries along with EU officials including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss energy, trade and security matters. This latest postponement comes as Saudi-led coalition forces continue to intercept Houthi missiles and drones targeting the capital and key infrastructure.
The 2024 Brussels summit produced agreements to work toward a regional free trade arrangement, advance resilient supply chains and cooperate on climate action ahead of COP29, the joint statement showed. Leaders from both sides committed to preventing conflict escalation and resolving crises through enhanced dialogue on global and regional security. The current security situation in Riyadh has now delayed the follow-up meeting that was meant to build on those foundations.
In its announcement the GCC General Secretariat expressed confidence that both organisations would identify a new timeframe that serves their long-term objectives of achieving growth and prosperity for their countries and peoples. EU foreign policy representatives in Brussels indicated that discussions on the summit were ongoing prior to the formal announcement of the delay. The development highlights the challenges regional conflicts pose to diplomatic engagements even as both the GCC and EU maintain their strategic partnership priorities. Officials have not specified when the rescheduled event might occur but stressed the importance of proceeding under secure conditions.
