What’s the agenda of COP30? Are countries prepared for the near future of climate change? Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, concluded a two-day visit to Brussels, engaging with senior EU officials and stakeholders to bolster cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water resilience. The March 6-7 visit reaffirmed the UAE’s strong partnership with the European Union.

Balalaa’s trip, following the UN Water Conference 2026 organizational session in New York and coinciding with EU Ocean Days, saw him participate in the EU’s consultative process on reviewing its water resilience strategy. 

He used the opportunity to highlight the UAE’s priorities for the upcoming UN Water Conference and invited international collaboration to develop solutions to global water challenges.

During the meetings, Balalaa reaffirmed the UAE’s strong partnership with the EU, emphasizing collaboration in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water resilience. At the consultation, Balalaa outlined the UAE’s priorities for UNWC26 and called on the global community to contribute to developing innovative, inclusive, and scalable solutions to water challenges.

He also underscored the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the EU in advancing climate action, energy transition, and global sustainability.

Balalaa stressed that discussions in Brussels were crucial for advancing the climate and energy commitments made at COP28 in Dubai, ensuring alignment with the EU ahead of the UN Ocean Conference 2025, COP30, and the 2026 UN Water Conference.

The assistant minister also met with officials from the European Commission, including Ditte Juul-Jørgensen (Director-General for Energy), Florika Fink-Hooijer (Director-General for Environment), Kurt Vandenberghe (Director-General for Climate Action), and Charlina Vitcheva (Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries), as well as representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The visit also included discussions with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to explore expanding investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and water sustainability. Talks focused on advancing joint efforts in water security, climate adaptation, and energy transition, reinforcing the UAE-EU partnership in tackling global environmental challenges.