Today marks the first-ever summit between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, part of the EU's new strategy to strengthen ties with Gulf countries, focusing on climate and trade relations.

Radio Schuman brings you a part of our colleague Shona Murray's interview with Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

There's also a brief comment by European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs Peter Stano on how the EU will approach its partners in the Gulf, particularly on what divides them — such as the geopolitical approach towards Russia and its invasion in Ukraine.

We also discuss a report by the European Social Insurance Platform highlighting a steady increase in pharmaceutical spending in Europe. Spoiler alert: it's not a good thing for taxpayers.

And on the last part of the show, Radio Schuman explores the best places to go skiing this winter, after many resorts shuttered last season due to snowless slopes.

Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas.

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