UAE, EU to launch negotiations on free trade agreement

Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 20:08

By ARN News Staff

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.

More from Local News

UAE lifts visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals

Authorities in the UAE have announced the lifting of visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals that were introduced on June 6 in response to developments related to the ebola virus.
ADNOC L&S vessel sustains damage following attack

ADNOC Logistics and Services has confirmed that one of its vessels was damaged in an attack in UAE territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan discuss key national priorities

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, on the sidelines of the 8th UAE Government Annual Meetings.
Sheikh Abdullah attends third round of Russia-Ukraine-US trilateral talks

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has expressed hope that the third round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US in Abu Dhabi will offer "practical steps towards ending a crisis".
UAE completes critical design review of 'Sirb-1' satellite

The UAE Space Agency has completed its critical design review for its first satellite under the National Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) programme.
UAE conditionally approves new use of Ultomiris for kidney disease patients

The UAE has conditionally approved a new use of AstraZeneca’s Ultomiris to treat adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), who are at risk of the disease progressing.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai Metro extension to Al Maktoum Airport

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced the approval of AED 2 billion Dubai Metro extension project to Al Maktoum International Airport, with operations set to begin in 2031.
UAE Year Of Award celebrates stronger families, community values

Five winners, including individuals, families and organisations have been recognised at the inaugural UAE Year Of Award for their contributions to strengthening family bonds and community values.
UAE President highlights nation's resilience during 'recent challenges'

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has highlighted the nation's "enduring unity, strength, and resolve" in addressing "recent challenges" during the Annual Government Meetings.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled approves second package of Emirati Family Growth Programme

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has underscored that Emirati families will remain central to the UAE’s development journey while approving the second package of Numou.
Sharjah approves housing support for 1,100 families

Sharjah Executive Council has approved a new housing support allocation for 1,100 families across the Emirate.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed directs tents for 50,000 Gazans facing harsh weather

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has directed the distribution of tents to shelter 50,000 people in the Gaza Strip as the rainy winter season sets in.
UAE postpones vehicle licensing limit for residents

The UAE Ministry of Interior has postponed the introduction of a limit on the number of vehicles residents can license, pending a further review of the proposed regulations.
UAE Government Annual Meetings key to reviewing national priorities

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has described the UAE Government Annual Meetings as an important opportunity to review national priorities, assess government performance and address key challenges.
New pedestrian bridge links Dubai Mall Metro Station and Coca-Cola Arena

A new pedestrian bridge linking Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station with Coca-Cola Arena at City Walk is set to open on Tuesday, improving access to the area and helping manage crowds during major events.
High-achieving Union teams honoured at UAE Government Annual Meetings

High-achieving Union teams have been honoured for their readiness and contribution to protecting the UAE community and safeguarding national achievements.
Al Gergawi: UAE accelerates development with over AED 4 trillion in projects

More than AED 4 trillion worth of vital projects are currently underway across the UAE as the country continues efforts to strengthen its economy and accelerate development.
Abu Dhabi launches lifestyle programme to help citizens get healthier

Abu Dhabi has launched a 24-week programme to empower eligible nationals in the Emirate to make lifestyle changes that will reduce health risks before they develop into chronic conditions.
UAE's foreign trade approaches record AED 3 trillion mark in nine months

The UAE's foreign trade has approached a record AED 3 trillion during the first nine months of 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Sunday.
5 Esaad cards up for grabs in Dubai Police's 5-week traffic contest

Dubai Police has launched an awareness competition to educate the public about the traffic laws, while giving them a chance to win an "Esaad" discount card.

News

UAE lifts visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals
Authorities in the UAE have announced the lifting of visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals that were introduced on June 6 in response to developments related to the ebola virus.
ADNOC L&S vessel sustains damage following attack
ADNOC Logistics and Services has confirmed that one of its vessels was damaged in an attack in UAE territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan discuss key national priorities
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, on the sidelines of the 8th UAE Government Annual Meetings.

UAE, EU to launch negotiations on free trade agreement

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go

UAE, EU to launch negotiations on free trade agreement

Share

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go