At the EU negotiating table and the United Arab Emirates for free trade agreement

The start of negotiations for a agreement free trade between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced today (10.4.2025) by the President of the European Commission (Commission), Ursula von der Layen.

“This agreement will reinforce our bilateral relations and contribute to the well -being of the wider region,” von der Laien wrote in a posting on X (formerly Twitter), following communication with UAE President and Sheikh, Mohammed bin Zayed Al.

The EU is seeking trade partnerships with various third countries and, according to the Commission, today’s “positive step forward” in the EU – UAE relations along with the negotiation of broader corporate relationship agreements, can serve as a catalyst for stronger links between the EU and the Council of Cooperation.

The chairman of the Commission underlined the powerful EU history of achieving high standard trade agreements and building corporate relations based on open trade and mutual benefit. In this spirit, the upcoming negotiations will focus on the liberalization of commerce of goods, services and investment, while deepening cooperation in strategic areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials.

Ursula von der Layen expressed confidence that both sides can move “quickly” and “ambitious”. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefkovic will soon go to the United Arab Emirates to promote talks.