Publication

This paper addresses EU relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and argues that the Union has failed to give sufficient attention to these countries despite their increasing importance as regional powers. The author contends that following the Arab Spring, the GCC states increased their assertiveness across the Middle East by engaging in unprecedented military, political and economic interventions. He then argues that although these activities have contributed to conflict, terrorism and increases in migration flows in the region - all of which have an impact on European interests - the EU has failed to politically engage with the Gulf states to address these problems. Finally, he contends that the EU should adopt a more coherent approach to the Gulf states that can improve ties and address any concerns.