Europe and the diplomacy of understanding Gulf

21/05/2026

For a long time, Europe’s presence in the Gulf was seen mainly through official relations and the familiar files of politics, trade, and energy. Gradually, however, that presence has begun to move into a deeper space, one concerned with understanding Gulf societies from within. The Gulf today is young, changing, and far more diverse than many outside observers assume. The GCC remains an essential regional framework, but serious engagement with the Gulf also requires attention to the distinct characters and unique experiences of each country.

This is where a different kind of diplomacy matters. It is a diplomacy that listens to society as well as governments, and pays attention to quiet transformations rather than only major headlines. In this context, I was invited last Wednesday to speak at a closed dialogue hosted by the European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait, in the presence of 16 European ambassadors. The exchange touched on society, youth, culture, and the changing image of the Gulf in the world. The value of such a meeting lies in the recognition that trust is not built through agreements alone, but also through calm, direct, and sustained dialogue. It is only fair to note that this path did not begin from nothing.

Former EU Ambassador to Kuwait Cristian Tudor helped establish an active and distinctive European presence, even during the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic . Today, Ambassador Anne Koistinen is building on that foundation, widening the conversation through greater openness to culture, dialogue, and social understanding. With its balanced diplomatic legacy, its tradition of quiet dialogue, and its long ability to build bridges without noise, Kuwait is well placed to serve as a calm and influential platform for deeper mutual understanding between the Gulf and Europe.

By Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri