The UAE and the EU agreed to launch talks towards a bilateral free trade agreement, described by Emirati President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed (MBZ) as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “We are absolutely willing to engage in a free trade agreement with the UAE.”
The following In-depth report explores key aspects surrounding these talks, including:
- The motives behind the chosen moment to initiate the talks
- Viewpoint of the Emirati ruling establishment on the talks and their prospect
- Emirati expectations of the benefits to be collected from an eventual agreement
- Abu Dhabi’s plan to navigate possible U.S. sensitivities
