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- Today’s world is at crossroads, partnerships matter more than ever, says EU’s ambassador
RIYADH: Today’s world is at a crossroads and, in this rapidly shifting world, partnerships matter more than ever so we must stand together, said Christophe Farnaud, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The Delegation of the EU to Saudi Arabia celebrated Europe Day on Thursday at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, reflecting the strong ties and continued cooperation between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Europe Day officially falls on May 9 to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which in 1950 laid the foundations of what would later become the EU.
Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Al-Smari attended the reception, along with senior officials and diplomats.
Speaking to Arab News, the ambassador said: “The world is changing a lot and the changes bring threats as much as progress. To make sure that we can successfully go through the challenges, we have to work together.
“Europe has to do things on its own, and it is doing. We now have priorities to be more competitive. We have priorities to ensure our security, which is partly military, but also economic, and food security. But our own work is not enough. As I said, Saudi Vision 2030 is incredible. Saudi Arabia does a lot and very successfully, but again, it would be even more successful if we work together.
“Saudi Arabia and Europe have common interests and maybe an approach which is quite similar. So the partnership that exists will be even stronger and it will be the key for success.”
Farnaud said earlier in his address: “Today’s world is at a crossroads. The Iranian crisis is not merely a regional one, it is a warning of deeper global challenges that will spare no one and will affect energy markets.
“We have entered an unprecedented era where transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnologies are reshaping economies and societies. Global challenges, including climate disruption and pandemics, and food and energy insecurity, are testing our collective resilience.”
Major crises, from Russia’s action against Ukraine to the current situation in the Gulf region, have put growing strain on the rules-based international system, while the fundamental question is increasingly whether might will prevail over right, Farnaud said.
He added: “Part of these changes are positive. Innovation is accelerating medical breakthroughs, expanding access to knowledge and opening new economic frontiers. Societies are more connected than ever, but part of it is dangerous: fragmentation, instability and the erosion of international norms leading to war and chaos.
“To deny or underestimate these dynamics would be a mistake. The real question is whether we shape these changes or are shaped by them. The European answer is clear: We need to act, embrace transformation where it empowers, and stand up where our values and interests are at risk. This is what Europe is doing through its new strategic priorities, through improved competitiveness. Europe is promoting military readiness, energy sovereignty and an efficient migration policy in many ways.”
He said that through economic diversification, social progress and sustainability, Saudi Arabia was delivering on its vision with impressive success, determination, impact and speed.
Farnaud added: “But in the age of globalization, no country can respond to these challenges alone. The answer must be collective.
“This is the core lesson of the European project since the Schuman Declaration.”
He said a better world can be built through partnerships, not in isolation and confrontation.
He added: “We do not need less cooperation. We need more and better, not less partnership, but deeper and more structured engagement.”
Farnaud said the strategic partnership between the EU and the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia in particular, was extremely important.
He added: “It has gained even exceptional relevance. The partnership is not new; it is the result of a shared long-term strategic vision that was set in motion with the EU-Saudi cooperation agreements signed in 2021.”
The European External Action Service and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation arrangement in Riyadh on Oct. 3, 2021, to establish a formal framework for regular political and technical dialogue.
The EU and Saudi Arabia share an interest in peace and stability, which is a precondition for energy security, economic growth, maritime safety and the protection of global trade routes.
The volume of trade in goods and services between Saudi Arabia and the EU amounts to €90 billion ($105.6 billion), according to the latest data from 2024, making the EU the Kingdom’s second-largest trading partner.
More than 2,500 European companies operate within the Saudi market, highlighting the depth of economic cooperation between the two sides.
An example of this cooperation is the EU-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, Farnaud said. Established two years ago, he added that the chamber will serve as a platform to facilitate increased business and promote trade and investment between the EU and Saudi Arabia.