The European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain announced on 13 July 2026 the launch of negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), following a meeting between EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on the margins of the third High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation in Brussels.
The joint statement, issued by the EEAS, said the two sides reaffirmed their shared determination to deepen cooperation in contributing to regional peace, prosperity and security, including preserving maritime security and freedom of navigation. The agreement is expected to expand political and security dialogue, reinforce cooperation in multilateral fora, and boost economic ties. Commissioner Šuica underlined the potential of the SPA to expand economic cooperation.
The announcement highlights Bahrain's role as current president of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, as well as its efforts in supporting peaceful resolution of conflicts and promoting multilateralism. The upcoming negotiations will explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation and ways to tackle emerging challenges of mutual interest.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days, making this a fresh development in EU-Bahrain relations. The agreement is part of the EU's broader strategy to strengthen partnerships in the Gulf region, following similar agreements with other GCC states. The negotiations are expected to cover areas such as political dialogue, trade, investment, energy, climate change, and security cooperation.
Stakeholders likely to be impacted include EU and Bahraini businesses seeking improved market access and investment opportunities, as well as EU and Bahraini citizens who may benefit from enhanced cooperation on security and migration issues. The agreement could also affect the EU's relations with other Gulf states, potentially leading to a more coordinated approach to regional challenges. The impact on the EU's regulatory framework is expected to be moderate, as the SPA is a bilateral agreement that will require ratification by EU member states and the European Parliament.