UAE and European Union advance comprehensive economic partnership discussions
Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met European Commission Executive Vice‑President Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels to review progress on a prospective UAE–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The meeting formed part of the eleventh negotiating round and assessed chapters covering market access, digital trade and sustainable development.
Both parties confirmed that technical texts on goods tariffs and customs cooperation have reached near‑final form. Negotiators agreed to intensify talks on services, investment protection and geographical indications over the next two months. A joint communiqué issued after the session cited 2024 non‑oil bilateral trade of US $67 billion, reflecting 2.4 per cent annual growth.
The agenda included a stakeholder consultation with European industry associations representing automotive, aerospace and medical‑device sectors. Participants received briefings on the UAE’s updated customs valuation procedures and electronic certificate‑of‑origin system. The European Commission announced that an impact‑assessment report will be published for public comment in September 2025.
Negotiators plan to convene the next in‑person round in Abu Dhabi during October 2025, with an objective of reaching a preliminary agreement in principle before the end of the year. The ministry reaffirmed that all CEPAs under negotiation observe WTO rules and incorporate provisions on labour and environmental standards.
