The EU and UAE have launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, aiming to boost trade in goods, services, digital commerce, and strategic sectors like renewable energy. Talks will begin in June following a meeting in Dubai between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and UAE Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi, as reported by Xinhua.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, described the decision as a significant step toward improving EU-Gulf ties. The negotiations come as the EU aims to reduce its reliance on US trade, following US President Donald Trump's declaration of a 50 percent tax on EU exports, which has now been postponed until July 9. Trump welcomed the talks but warned of trade measures if no deal is reached.