EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has outlined the European Commission’s approach to the thorny issue of negotiating a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid the ongoing violent conflict in Sudan. His response aims to reassure concerned policymakers, civil society, and international partners that while the EU condemns the reported support of the UAE to Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), it maintains a pragmatic diplomatic engagement with the UAE to foster peace and stability. This stance is likely to provoke mixed reactions from human rights advocates demanding immediate action, trade sectors eyeing economic opportunities, and EU diplomatic circles juggling geopolitical interests.
The answer was given in response to a parliamentary question posed by MEPs Pär Holmgren, Alice Kuhnke, and Isabella Lövin from the Greens/European Free Alliance group. They questioned the Commission’s intention regarding suspension of trade talks with the UAE over its alleged involvement in prolonging the Sudanese conflict and sought clarity on EU tools to influence the UAE.
Although Commissioner Šefčovič's reply avoids setting concrete deadlines or halting negotiations, it outlines a multifaceted approach: ongoing political dialogue with the UAE, coordination with international actors like the UN and ICC, and embedding enhanced political consultations within a future Strategic Partnership Agreement. These elements serve as policy signals rather than measurable commitments or explicit conditions tied to progress in Sudan.
The Commission positions itself to uphold EU obligations under Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union by integrating trade policy with broader external policies, emphasizing peace and human rights. However, it resists unilateral suspension of trade talks, instead favoring diplomatic engagement as the principal tool.
Stakeholders impacted include EU regulatory bodies tasked with ensuring policy coherence, national governments watching the EU’s foreign policy stance, trade industries anticipating access to UAE markets, and human rights NGOs advocating for stronger sanctions or trade suspensions. While enhanced dialogue and multilateral coordination may facilitate a peaceful resolution, activists may view the continued trade negotiations as tacit acceptance of UAE actions, posing reputational risks. Conversely, trade sectors benefit from maintained negotiations sustaining potential economic growth opportunities.
The Commission’s answer, delivered within the parliamentary question framework, signals its cautious preference for diplomacy over hard economic measures at this stage, setting the tone for upcoming EU engagements with the UAE and influencing expectations of further institutional responses.