EU-GCC Cooperation in the Field of Education

Abstract

The European Union has undertaken a large number of initiatives in the education field, both in promoting exchanges of students internally and with non-union countries, and in encouraging the development of European studies programmes. The Gulf Cooperation Council states have been excluded from most of these initiatives, largely by neglect rather than by design. The aim of this paper is to examine how this deficiency can be rectified, for a region that is of vital importance to the EU in terms of its economic significance. Much good will could be gained from new EU initiatives on education and training involving the GCC, and the cost could be modest. Co-funding is a realistic possibility in view of the region’s wealth and resources, unlike other initiatives with respect to developing countries that have been largely funded by the EU. This paper starts with a review of existing EU policies on education and training with regard to non-union members. Education and training policy by the GCC states is then reviewed. Finally specific recommendations are made for EU initiatives, the conclusion being that existing modes of educational and training co-operation are not very appropriate for GCC countries in most cases, but that there is considerable scope for new ventures involving both parties