Remarks by Commissioner Šefčovič at the press conference following the launch of negotiations with the United Arab Emirates on a Free Trade Agreement with the EU

European Commission -Speech [Check Against Delivery] Remarks by Commissioner Šefčovič at the press conference following the launch of negotiations with the United Arab Emirates on a Free Trade Agreement with the EU Abu Dhabi, 28 May 2025 Thank you, your Excellency [dear Thani], for your warm hospitality. It is a genuine pleasure to be in your beautiful country, as we take an important step forward for both the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. The official launch of our negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement marks a major milestone, elevating our already strong partnership to an even higher level – one focused on delivering an ambitious and commercially meaningful agreement. The UAE is the EU's second largest trading partner in the Gulf region, with trade in goods nearing 56 billion euros and in services exceeding 39 billion euros annually. Our mutual investments amount to an impressive 328 billion euros, underscoring the depth of our economic ties. Our FTA aims to unlock vast untapped potential. In today's increasingly complex and volatile global landscape, this is the best path forward in the interests of both our economies. At its core it means diversification, growth, jobs. By putting in place a comprehensive, transparent, and legally binding agreement on trade and investment, we will create an open, predictable and stable environment that supports lasting economic growth and opens new opportunities for European and Emirati businesses...