GCC postpones EU summit in Riyadh following security threats

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat announced on Friday, 16 October, the rescheduling of the inaugural GCC-European Union (EU) Summit, which was originally slated to take place in Riyadh on 24 October 2026. A new date for the high-level meeting will be determined following further consultations between both blocs. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, confirmed the postponement in a statement issued from Riyadh. The decision follows a series of attempted strikes by the Houthi group targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The General Secretariat cited the specific need to ensure the safety of visiting international delegations as the primary driver for the delay. Security concerns and airport operations The announcement comes amid an extension of the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. Albudaiwi stated that the continued threats to the security and safety of civilians necessitated a shift in the diplomatic calendar to ensure the summit can be conducted under stable conditions. The summit was intended to be a foundational platform for heads of state from both the GCC and the EU to formalise a closer strategic partnership. Key agenda items previously identified for the meeting included energy security, climate transition, and regional stability in the Middle East. Implications for GCC-EU relations Despite the delay, Albudaiwi affirmed that both the GCC and the EU remain committed to the…