6th IEF-EU Energy and Climate Day Forum
The International Energy Forum (IEF) and the European Union (EU) co-hosted the 6th IEF-EU Energy & Climate Day today at the IEF headquarters in Riyadh, gathering senior officials, business leaders, and experts from Europe and the Gulf to advance cooperation on clean energy, climate action, and sustainable growth.
Held under the theme "Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Resilient Future," the event brought together over 80 high-level participants to explore how Europe and the Gulf can jointly accelerate transitions through cohesive policy frameworks, regulatory cooperation, and incentivizing private sector engagement. Key discussions focused on scaling renewable energy, advancing clean hydrogen, strengthening supply chain resilience, and expanding cross-border investments and innovation.
Participants explored how national and regional policies can create the right conditions for clean energy deployment and ensure energy security while meeting climate goals in competitive and resilient economies. They also examined the role of public-private partnerships in driving investment and technological breakthroughs, with special attention to clean hydrogen, carbon capture, energy storage, and voluntary carbon markets. Experts emphasised the importance of aligning policy and market incentives, reducing barriers to investment, and improving regional interconnections between EU and GCC energy systems.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, stated, "Today's dialogue is a testament to the power of international cooperation. The EU is committed to working closely with the GCC and the IEF to accelerate the global shift towards clean, secure, and affordable energy systems. The EU is already leading by example — with over 23% of its energy coming from renewables in 2022 and a binding target to reach at least 42.5% by 2030. Through initiatives such as the Green Deal and the Global Gateway, we are mobilising investments, technology, and policy cooperation worldwide. Our growing engagement with Gulf countries — including ongoing dialogues on clean hydrogen, energy interconnections, and carbon market development — is essential to this effort."
H.E. Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum, added, "At a time of accelerating change and rising complexity in global energy markets, deeper EU-GCC collaboration is not just desirable — it is essential. As natural partners, connected by geography, and united by shared goals: securing affordable energy access, achieving sustainable growth, and strengthening the economic resilience these regions account for a significant share of global energy production, trade, and innovation. Through open and structured dialogue between governments, regulators, and industry, we can facilitate development of fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks that stimulate trade, drive cross-border investment, and support just and orderly energy transitions. Open-minded engagement in Energy dialogue under the neutral banner of the IEF exposes policymakers to a broad spectrum of views, providing the holistic perspective necessary to shape a more stable and cooperative global energy landscape advancing regional partnerships and enhancing supply chain resilience."
The 6th IEF-EU Energy & Climate Day reflects the longstanding collaboration between Europe and the Gulf on energy and climate matters on the IEF and GCC platforms. This is now further supported by the recently launched EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project, which aims to deepen joint efforts on clean energy, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
