UAE, EU to launch negotiations on free trade agreement

The UAE and European Union have agreed to begin talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA.

The decision was made during a phone call between UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the strong relationship between the UAE and EU, saying the agreement aims to boost trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Von der Leyen called the move a key step toward a more dynamic partnership.

The announcement follows the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent by top trade officials from both sides. The EU is currently the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, with non-oil trade reaching nearly $68 billion (AED 249.7 billion) in 2024.

Once finalised, the CEPA is expected to reduce tariffs and open up new opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and AI.