Europe and the Gulf in the era of a second Trump Administration

Speaker: HE Luigi Di Maio

Academics from the School of Security Studies and the Department of European and International Studies, together with the Italian, American Politics, and Politics societies of King's College London, are delighted to host former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and current EU Special Representative for the Gulf, HE Luigi Di Maio, for a fireside chat.

At a moment of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, Europe’s relations with the Gulf are influenced by shifting priorities in Washington DC. With the possibility of a second Trump administration, long-standing assumptions about transatlantic coordination, regional diplomacy, and global partnerships may come under renewed examination. In this timely conversation, HE Luigi Di Maio will draw on his experience to consider how evolving geopolitical dynamics could shape Europe’s strategic outlook. He will discuss potential opportunities and challenges for European engagement in the Gulf, offering reflections on how different policy approaches – whether marked by continuity or change – might affect decision-makers on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Join us for a drinks reception after the event.

His Excellency Luigi Di Maio is an Italian diplomat and former senior government minister with extensive experience in foreign affairs, economic policy, and European relations. He served as Italy’s Minister of Economic Development, Labour and Social Policies (2018–2019) and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019–2022). After his ministerial career, he was appointed EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region, focusing on strategic dialogue, energy cooperation, and regional stability.

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