World · Middle East · 12 hrs ago
GCC-EU summit in Riyadh postponed over security concerns
The Gulf Cooperation Council and European Union postponed their summit planned for October 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The GCC cited Houthi attacks and safety concerns for delegations, along with the suspension of flights at King Khalid International Airport.
The Houthis, based in Yemen, have continued attacks on Saudi Arabia and civilian infrastructure.
The airport remains closed after strikes, and one source says attacks there killed 13 people and wounded hundreds last weekend.
The summit was meant to bring Gulf and European leaders together to strengthen ties between the two regions.
Its delay reflects the worsening security situation and disrupts plans to hold the meeting in Riyadh.
The EU says it remains committed to the partnership, and officials will announce a new date later.
The GCC and European Union postponed their summit planned for Riyadh on October 24.
The GCC cited continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport.
The decision was made to protect participating delegations amid security concerns.
The summit will be rescheduled for a date to be agreed by the two sides.
Both sides said they remain committed to their strategic partnership.
- Who
- The Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union.
- What
- They postponed their planned summit and will agree on a new date.
- When
- The postponement was announced on Thursday, October 15, 2026; the summit had been scheduled for October 24.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The GCC cited continued Houthi attacks and the extended suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport, raising safety concerns for delegations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The first summit between the EU and the GCC was held.
Strikes on Riyadh’s international airport killed 13 people and wounded hundreds, according to The Straits Times.
The GCC and EU postponed the summit that had been scheduled for October 24 in Riyadh.
The European Council said a new date for the summit would be announced.
- Original summit date
- October 24
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport
- GCC Secretary-General
- Jasem Albudaiwi
- EU leaders expected
- 27
6 sources
«مجلس التعاون» يعلن إعادة جدولة موعد القمة الخليجية - الأوروبية
الأمانة العامة لمجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية تعلن إعادة جدولة موعد القمة الخليجية - الأوروبية
GCC-EU Summit in Riyadh postponed amid Houthi attacks
Gulf-EU summit in Riyadh postponed amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
EU and Gulf states postpone summit due in Saudi Arabia
إعادة جدولة القمة الخليجية - الأوروبية في الرياض إلى موعد آخر
What people are saying
the decision was taken to ensure the safety of participating delegations amid ongoing security threats posed by the Houthi militia
The partnership between the EU and the GCC is of great strategic importance to both regions
The EU remains committed to deepening this partnership and sustaining the momentum built since the first summit in October 2024