MENA2050, the Emirates Policy Center (EPC), the European Leadership Network , the Abraham Accords Institute — with the financial support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media — convened the 5th Europe–Middle East Forum in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This high-level gathering brought togetherdozens of senior policymakers, diplomats, and expertsfrom across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and — for the very first time Indonesia, marking an important step in expanding the dialogue to include Asian perspectives. Participants represented countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, reflecting the diversity of regional voices and interests.

A Forum at the Crossroads of Security and Innovation

The 2025 edition of the forum carried the overarching theme:

“The Middle East and Europe: Fostering Security and Innovation through Strategic Partnerships.”

The discussions highlighted how the Middle East and Europe are increasingly interconnected - not only through shared security concerns but also through opportunities in innovation, energy, and economic cooperation.

Key Themes and Discussions

Regional Dynamics after October 7 Participants assessed the far-reaching consequences of the conflict that unfolded after October 7, exploring its impact on regional stability, inter-state relations, and the role of international actors.

Regional integration and the Abraham Accords A central topic was the extension of regional integration. Experts discussed the prospects of further expanding this diplomatic track within the MENA region and the opportunities it creates for trade, technology, and people-to-people connections.

Europe’s Role in the Region

The forum emphasized the need for deeper European engagement in Middle Eastern affairs, not only to strengthen partnerships but also to contribute to peacebuilding, economic development, and energy resilience.

Lebanon and Palestine: Pathways to Stability

Special attention was given to the ongoing crises in Lebanon and Palestine, with participants debating what practical steps could pave the way toward stability, governance reforms, and international support.

Energy Security and Innovation

Energy transition and diversification remain critical shared concerns. The forum examined how cooperation between Europe and the Middle East can secure reliable energy supplies while investing in renewable energy, innovation, and green technologies.

A Space for Candid Exchange

All sessions were held under the Chatham House Rule, ensuring that participants could speak freely and exchange views openly. This format fostered a frank, solution-oriented dialogue, allowing for the exploration of sensitive issues in an atmosphere of trust.