EU fails to secure Gulf States' support for sanctions against Russia

The European Union has not achieved support from the Gulf States for sanctions against Russia.

The joint declaration from their recent summit only mentions "support for the principle of territorial integrity" and peaceful efforts, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In the section dedicated to Ukraine in the document released following the summit between the EU and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the parties "recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and their commitment to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian norms."

Participants in the meeting held in Brussels expressed support for humanitarian efforts regarding prisoner exchanges and achieving peace in Ukraine. They also condemned attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure, without specifying which side is responsible for these actions.

The declaration references the UN General Assembly resolution from March 2, 2022. The remainder of the document focuses on the conflict in the Middle East and economic cooperation between the EU and Gulf States.

Commenting on the outcomes of the Brussels meeting, an EU diplomatic source stated that leaders "openly acknowledged that their positions diverge on several issues." According to this source, the parties "exchanged views and confirmed that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity apply to Ukraine, as they do to any other UN member state." Earlier, EU diplomats emphasized that one of the main objectives of the EU at this summit was to achieve mutual understanding with the Gulf States regarding support for Western sanctions against Russia, including at least targeted implementation of certain technological and financial restrictions.

This summit marked the first meeting between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which outgoing European Council President Charles Michel had long sought to convene. The co-chair of the meeting from the Gulf Cooperation Council was Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

By Khagan Isayev