EU-Gulf Summit Postponed Amid Saudi Security Concerns

Most important decision: The EU postponed the second EU-GCC summit set for October 24, 2026 in Riyadh. The European Council said on October 15, 2026 that the summit has been postponed and a new date will be announced in due course. The GCC members are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Coverage tied the delay to security concerns amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Investing.com reported Houthi-claimed strikes on Riyadh international airport the prior weekend killed 13 people and injured hundreds, and said the airport remained closed. A wire summary said Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles and drones, with debris causing injuries and damage in Riyadh. LBC noted a Saudi coalition report of a missile intercepted in the Medina region and a Houthi denial of Thursday attacks there. The EU reaffirmed the partnership's strategic importance and aim to deepen ties. Report.az, citing the EU Council, said 2025 EU-GCC trade reached €165.6 billion, with the EU the GCC's second-largest trading partner. CONTESTED: No dispute that the summit was postponed over security concerns. Strike details differ: Investing.com reported 13 deaths at Riyadh airport; wire accounts cited injuries and damage from debris. Houthi claims on the airport attack and denial of Medina-region attacks sit alongside Saudi coalition intercept reports.