EU-GCC summit in Riyadh officially postponed

The European Union (EU) on Thursday (15/10/2026) announced the postponement of the second summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) scheduled for 24 October 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The decision to delay was made after a series of Houthi attacks raised security concerns in Saudi Arabia.The move reflects how quickly the escalation of conflict in the region has directly impacted the international diplomatic agenda that has been prepared for months.

The official announcement was made by the European Council on 15 October 2026.In its statement, the Council reaffirmed that the EU-GCC partnership is strategically important for both regions, while ensuring that the EU remains committed to deepening the partnership with the Gulf countries even though the timetable of the summit must be shifted.

EU suspends Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks
The European Council reaffirmed that the EU-GCC partnership is strategically important for both regions and is committed to deepening that partnership. (Source: Future plc)

Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills 13 people

Last weekend, 13 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in an attack on Riyadh International Airport. The Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, and so far the airport has remained closed.

The attack targeting one of the most vital civilian infrastructures in the Saudi capital shows that the security threat is no longer far-reaching or theoretical for the leaders planned to gather in Riyadh.

For the European Union, holding a meeting at the level of heads of state in a city whose international airport has just been attacked and is still closed is considered too risky.

Cancellation signals have already arrived from Bulgaria

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev earlier said the meeting would be cancelled for security reasons, according to two sources quoted by Reuters news agency.

The EU-GCC summit itself was intended in part to show solidarity with the Gulf nations in the midst of a war.This delay was also called a blow to Saudi Arabia's efforts to host global events, in the midst of its ambition to position Riyadh as a center of diplomacy and international events.

Despite the delay, the diplomatic doors have not been closed.The European Council reaffirmed its commitment to continue deepening partnerships with the Gulf countries. Further consultations to determine a new date for the summit are expected to take place in the near future, depending on the development of the security situation in the region.