The Federal National Council (FNC) held a special UAE–European session in Abu Dhabi on Monday, chaired by Speaker Saqr Ghobash, as part of its 18th legislative term.
The high-level session welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with ministers, senior officials, EU ambassadors and European business leaders operating in the UAE.
In his opening remarks, Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, stressing the UAE’s commitment to dialogue and parliamentary cooperation.
He said the session marks the start of deeper joint initiatives on global challenges such as peace, sustainable development and combating extremism.
Ghobash also addressed urgent regional issues, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution to the conflict.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s stance on diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes and tensions, including the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities.
In her speech, Metsola praised the UAE’s leadership in promoting peace and coexistence, calling the visit a turning point in EU-UAE relations.
"I stand before you today representing 450 million European citizens, carrying a message of hope and optimism that this visit will mark a new beginning for strengthening our bilateral ties and expanding the horizons of partnership between the European Parliament and the UAE through constructive dialogue and cooperation," she said.
The President of the European Parliament highlighted strong UAE-EU trade ties, valued at €328 billion (AED 1.39 trillion), and emphasised tourism, education and culture as key pillars of future cooperation.
Metsola concluded by describing the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic partnership, built on shared values and a common vision for global peace and prosperity.
انعقاد الجلسة البرلمانية الخاصة الإماراتية الأوروبية، برئاسة معالي صقر غباش رئيس المجلس الوطني الاتحادي، وبحضور معالي روبيرتا ميتسولا رئيسة البرلمان الأوروبية.
— المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) June 23, 2025
The UAE-European special session convened, chaired by H.E. Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, in… pic.twitter.com/tKETTmVu1J
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