Europe Day 2026: The EU Stands with Kuwait

Europe Day 2026: The EU Stands with Kuwait

On Europe Day 2026, the European Union celebrates not only the enduring legacy of the Schuman Declaration, but also four decades of trusted partnership and solidarity with Kuwait. As the EU and Kuwait prepare to elevate relations through a landmark Strategic Partnership Agreement, their alliance stands as a powerful testament to shared security, resilience, and a common vision for peace and prosperity.

As we mark Europe Day on May 9, 2026, we commemorate more than the historic Schuman Declaration, which was the founding block of the European Union. This occasion also serves as a vital opportunity to acknowledge our international partnerships, particularly our enduring strategic alliance with Kuwait.

Following the recent unacceptable Iranian attacks on Kuwait, the EU has expressed its full solidarity and unwavering support for the sovereignty and security of the State of Kuwait. I would like to avail of this opportunity to express my admiration of the Kuwaiti people's resolve in defence of their homeland, which was instrumental in safeguarding the lives of all who live in this hospitable country. Shortly following the Iranian aggression on Kuwait, HE Sheikh Jarrah Al Sabah, FM of Kuwait, received a call from the EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas during which she reaffirmed the EU's condemnation of Iranian aggression against Kuwait and the region and stressed the right of states to take all measures to safeguard their sovereignty. To reinforce this commitment, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio visited Kuwait on March 29, 2026. During the visit, he affirmed the EU's "principled support for Kuwait" against this unjustified aggression and praised Kuwait's air defence systems for their role in protecting all Kuwaitis and residents-including more than 5,000 EU citizens. The EU and its |Member States stand in solidarity with Kuwait while viewing its national security as indispensable to our own shared vision of a stable and peaceful region.

Europe Day is an occasion to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The Schuman Declaration was a powerful declaration that initiated the process of European integration and the longest Peace Project throughout history. The EU Delegation to Kuwait functions as the primary coordinating body for the 27 EU Member States (17 EU Member States embassies currently resident in Kuwait), operating under a unified "Team Europe" approach. By pooling resources and expertise, the Delegation and Member States present a cohesive front to the Kuwaiti government and public, particularly during difficult times.

This year we mark the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the European Union and Kuwait. Four decades ago, we established a partnership that has matured into one of trust, stability, and shared progress. I was delighted, last February to attend the 65^th Kuwaiti National Day in Brussels where both Kuwaitis and their EU counterparts celebrated the anniversary of 4 decades of constructive engagement grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared values.

This year we hope to launch the negotiations to conclude a bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement 'SPA' with Kuwait. The aim of the SPA is to provide for an ambitious, modern, comprehensive and effective framework for bilateral cooperation tailored to the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and Kuwait. The SPA will mark a turning point in our relationship, being truly a strategic partnership, addressing common challenges and harnessing joint opportunities. From clean energy to security and economic diversification, from trade to people-to-people contacts, our partnership is not just celebrating the past but delivering tangible solutions for our peoples' future.