Europe Day celebrations highlight Qatar's growing relationship with EU

The Europe Day celebrations have highlighted the strong relationship between Qatar and the European Union (EU), ambassador Dr Cristian Tudor said. He was addressing the celebrations in Doha on Tuesday. Qatar's Minister of Transport HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Protocol Department director Ibrahim Fakhro and several ambassadors attended.

Dr Tudor, the EU ambassador to Qatar, noted that the establishment of EU Delegation to Qatar was a fundamental step that helped the two sides deepen and better promote bilateral relations in all fields. “The EU is one of Qatar’s two strongest trading associates and a strategic economic partner. As much as 11.5 % of Qatar’s global trade is exchanged with the EU. Recently, the trade in goods surpassed €17bn, while the volume of services exceeded €5bn,” he said adding that the investment relations remain strong, with the total bilateral FDI stock amounting to over €38bn, encompassing investments from the EU to Qatar and from Qatar to the 27 EU Member States.

The EU envoy explained that Team Europe or the EU institutions and EU Member States jointly, will mobilise by 2027 as much as €300bn of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities.

"The year 2023 marks the European Year of Skills, fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, promoting innovation and competitiveness. Our focus lies in the Middle East and Africa, two regions where Qatar is active, and we see great potential for meaningful collaboration.

“The challenges we face today, such as conflicts, climate change, and the erosion of democratic values, demand our collective creativity and determination to safeguard peace and stability. The European Union, in close partnership with like-minded nations such as Qatar, strives to address these challenges and uphold the rules-based international order that has been the bedrock of our global community for decades,” he said.

“Strong partnership between the European Union and Qatar is built with full respect for our diverse cultural background, histories and societal organisation, while remaining solidly committed to the universal values of human rights. The European Union has consistently been a steadfast advocate for human rights, both regionally and globally.

“Our strong partnership extends to dialogue and co-ordination on energy supply and security. Qatar, a crucial player in gas supplies vital to European markets amid the war against Ukraine, has key partners in French and Italian energy companies for the North Field expansion. In addition to energy security, we work closely in renewable energy development. A partnership with Qatar could prove not only profitable but strategic in advancing a sustainable, greener world, contributing to the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030,” the EU ambassador added. The celebrations also featured a cultural programme, 'Conversations through Arts.'