The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU) have strengthened their cooperation in the fields of energy, climate, and water sustainability during a recent two-day visit by Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability. The discussions, which took place in Brussels from March 6-7, 2025, aimed to explore opportunities for expanding investments in clean energy and infrastructure.

During his meetings with senior officials and stakeholders, Balalaa emphasized the UAE’s commitment to aligning efforts with the EU in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water resilience. His visit followed the Organizational Session for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference (UNWC26) in New York and coincided with the EU Ocean Days in Brussels. Balalaa participated in the EU’s consultative process on reviewing its water resilience strategy, highlighting the UAE’s priorities for the upcoming conference and encouraging international collaboration on innovative solutions to water challenges.

In addition, Balalaa reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with the EU on climate action and the energy transition. He pointed out that the discussions were crucial for advancing commitments made during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which took place in Dubai in 2023. The meetings also focused on climate adaptation strategies and preparations for the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in France, alongside the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Balalaa met with several key EU officials, including Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy, and Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General for Environment. These discussions reinforced bilateral relations aimed at exploring potential investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and water sustainability. The collaborative efforts are seen as essential for tackling climate change and promoting sustainable practices in both regions.