EU and Bahrain Launch Strategic Partnership Agreement Negotiations

The European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain launched negotiations for a Bahrain-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) on July 13, 2026. The announcement followed meetings in Brussels during the third High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, also referred to as the GCC-EU Regional Security Co-operation Forum.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation regarding regional peace, security, and economic expansion. Specific attention was given to maritime security and freedom of navigation, particularly in response to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation and Iranian attacks against Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

In a resulting joint statement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open shipping lanes and regional stability. The EU recognized Bahrain's current leadership role as the president of the GCC and its status as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.