Abu Dhabi, October 2025
The United Diplomatic Council (UDC) participated in the “EU – UAE Breakfast Dialogue on Public Procurement Best Practices” a prominent forum dedicated to strengthening transregional cooperation and elevating discussions on trade, customs, and economic diversification.
Held on 28th October 2025 and hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, the event convened ambassadors, senior diplomats, business leaders, and policy experts from Europe and the Gulf region. The dialogue emphasized enhancing customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and regulatory alignment to drive sustainable and transparent economic growth.
Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, followed by insights from Ms. Gabriella Francis, International Relations Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), who detailed EU Policies and Practices in the Context of Customs Cooperation.
The Key panel on “Business Needs in EU–UAE Customs Cooperation” featured Ms. Lisa Park, Area Managing Director (Maersk), Mr. Ralf Schreiber, Head of Business Customers & Sales Steering MEA (DHL Global Forwarding), and Mr. Sándor Szelekovszky, Head of Trade and Other Policies Section, shared expert perspectives on optimizing logistics frameworks, improving trade facilitation, and aligning business strategies to reinforce economic and diplomatic ties between Europe and the UAE.
A core focus of the dialogue was public procurement best practices, bringing together EU and UAE stakeholders—including officials and businesses—to exchange proven strategies for transparent and efficient management of procurement procedures. The discussion highlighted regulatory frameworks fostering fair competition, sustainable sourcing, and innovation in procurement, integral to shaping future-ready trade ecosystems.
The dialogue concluded with delegates discussing evolving policy landscapes, business collaboration, and emerging economic trends—focusing on the essential role of diplomatic engagement in navigating regulatory complexities and unlocking opportunities for inclusive and resilient economic growth.
UDC’s active involvement reflects its commitment to promoting global collaboration, economic diplomacy, and public-private partnerships. With a strong focus on trade modernization, customs enhancement, and procurement innovation, the council transforms regulatory excellence into pathways that advance sustainability, digital transformation, and economic resilience. Through flagship events such as the United Economic Summit (UES) scheduled for 23rd November 2025 in Klang, Malaysia, UDC connects policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to foster actionable strategies that reinforce international cooperation.
The United Diplomatic Council commends the Delegation of the European Union for organizing the dialogue, which strengthens the UAE’s role as a strategic nexus linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and as a hub for forward-looking policy engagement and economic partnership.
