The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have postponed their second joint summit, which was scheduled for 24 October 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following security concerns and disruption to air travel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 15 October, the European Council confirmed the postponement and said a new date would be announced. Its statement did not give a reason for the decision.
GCC Cites Threats and Airport Disruption
The GCC General Secretariat gave a more detailed explanation. Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi cited continued threats by Yemen’s Houthi movement, the extended suspension of flights at King Khalid International Airport, and concerns for the safety of visiting delegations.
The statement said the summit would be held at a later date agreed by both sides. It did not announce a new timetable.
According to Reuters , attacks claimed by the Houthis killed 13 people and wounded hundreds at Riyadh’s international airport over the preceding weekend. The airport remained closed when the postponement was reported.
The casualty figures come from Reuters’ reporting and should not be presented as an independently verified count by Trivane News.
EU and Gulf States Reaffirm Partnership
The planned meeting would have been the second summit between the two regional organisations, following their first summit in October 2024.
The European Council said its partnership with the GCC remained strategically important and that it was committed to strengthening cooperation. The GCC also said both sides intended to create suitable conditions for a future summit.
The postponement affects the timing of the meeting, but neither organisation has announced a suspension of diplomatic cooperation.
No New Date Announced
The immediate question is when travel and security conditions will allow delegations to meet safely. Both sides say a replacement date will be agreed, but none had been announced as of 15 October.
