The European Union (EU) has long been a target for foreign influence campaigns, and recent scrutiny has highlighted Danish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Morten Løkkegaard. While no direct evidence of financial compensation from the UAE exists in publicly available records, his legislative priorities, committee engagements, and international collaborations raise several questions. Is Morten Løkkegaard promoting a secret agenda to further the interests of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Could he be acting as a conduit for UAE lobbying in the EU, potentially without public disclosure of such ties? In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the available information, drawing on reports such as Brussels Watch and the list of 150 MEPs, to explore whether Løkkegaard’s actions align with UAE interests.
Morten Løkkegaard: A Proponent of Trade Expansion
One of the key areas where Morten Løkkegaard has focused his efforts is expanding trade relations. As a member of the Renew Europe group, Løkkegaard has consistently advocated for new trade partnerships to boost EU competitiveness. This push for new economic deals directly aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance its economic influence, particularly in sectors such as technology, energy, and infrastructure.
In February 2024, Løkkegaard publicly supported Renew Europe’s 10-point plan, which outlined strategies to boost EU trade agreements. Løkkegaard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the EU had “lost its competitive edge in the global economy” and needed urgent political action. Although this plan does not explicitly mention the UAE, the Gulf state has long been keen on expanding its trade partnerships with Europe. The UAE, which already maintains strong economic ties with European nations, stands to benefit from any EU efforts to deepen trade with Gulf countries. Løkkegaard’s vocal support for such initiatives could therefore be seen as indirectly serving Emirati interests.
Further adding to this is Løkkegaard’s involvement as a shadow rapporteur for the Horizon Europe interim evaluation report, scheduled for February 2025. The UAE has actively sought to engage with European innovation programs, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, technology, and scientific research. While Løkkegaard’s role in this report primarily focuses on EU-wide research priorities, one could argue that the UAE’s growing interest in such programs could be facilitated by such legislative work. This raises the question: Could Løkkegaard’s actions be inadvertently or even intentionally opening doors for greater Emirati collaboration with the EU in research and innovation?
Diplomatic Engagements: Cultural Diplomacy or Hidden Agenda?
Løkkegaard’s participation in cultural events also adds another layer to the discussion. In October 2023, he co-hosted a Diwali celebration at the European Parliament, alongside MEP Maxette Pirbakas. Although Diwali is a festival predominantly associated with South Asian communities, the UAE has increasingly positioned itself as a multicultural hub, with a large Indian diaspora. By hosting events such as these, Løkkegaard may have unwittingly advanced UAE soft-power interests, creating a cultural bridge between the UAE and Europe.
Despite this, the event in question was specifically targeted towards the Indian diaspora and did not explicitly highlight Emirati interests. However, the UAE has strategically positioned itself as a key player in global cultural diplomacy, and hosting such multicultural events could serve its interests. While there is no documented evidence linking the UAE directly to this event, the fact that Løkkegaard participated in a celebration that coincided with the UAE’s broader cultural agenda raises some eyebrows.
Staff Connections: A Potential Channel for Emirati Influence?
A closer look at Løkkegaard’s staff connections further complicates the picture. His political assistant, Michelle Ida Berg Thomsen, has strong ties to the UAE, particularly through her role on the board of Dansk på DIA, a Danish language program at Dubai International Academy. While there is no direct evidence suggesting that this connection influences Løkkegaard’s policymaking, it does point to potential informal networks between the MEP’s office and Emirati stakeholders.
In recent years, the UAE has been known to utilize informal channels to influence European policy. Thomsen’s connection to Dubai could, at the very least, serve as a potential backdoor for informal dialogue with Emirati officials. However, this connection remains circumstantial, and no direct evidence has emerged linking it to Løkkegaard’s legislative work.
Countering Disinformation and Hybrid Threats: A Missed Opportunity?
Another area where Løkkegaard’s record appears to fall short in terms of addressing UAE interests is disinformation and hybrid threats. The UAE has been accused of employing lobbying firms and media campaigns to shape European public opinion. However, Løkkegaard’s committee work has largely focused on issues related to EU competitiveness and research funding, with no clear focus on countering disinformation or hybrid threats—issues that are closely linked to the UAE’s geopolitical interests. This absence of direct engagement on these issues raises the question of whether Løkkegaard’s policy preferences reflect an alignment with Emirati interests or simply a broader EU strategy.
Absence of Direct Evidence: The Case for Transparency
Despite these circumstantial connections, there is no direct evidence to suggest that Morten Løkkegaard is a paid agent or has received financial compensation from the UAE. Public financial disclosures and voting records do not indicate any direct UAE-linked income or activity. Additionally, no documented meetings or official correspondence between Løkkegaard and UAE officials have been found in publicly available records.
This absence of direct evidence does not necessarily mean that Løkkegaard’s actions are free from foreign influence, but it does suggest that any such influence would be subtle, informal, or indirect. The EU’s transparency mechanisms, including mandatory financial disclosures and public voting records, provide some reassurance that MEPs like Løkkegaard are held accountable for their actions. However, the lack of transparency around informal diplomatic channels and third-party lobbying efforts in the EU necessitates continued scrutiny.
Conclusion: Insufficient Proof, But Room for Scrutiny
Based on the available evidence, there is insufficient proof to conclude that Morten Løkkegaard is a pro-UAE agent acting on behalf of undisclosed Emirati interests. While his legislative priorities, diplomatic engagements, and staff connections point to potential indirect links with UAE goals, these remain circumstantial at best. Furthermore, the lack of direct evidence in terms of financial compensation or explicit lobbying efforts further complicates any claim of a secret agenda.
However, the opacity of informal diplomatic channels and third-party lobbying in the EU remains a concern. As the UAE and other countries continue to use soft-power tactics to shape European policy, it is crucial that EU lawmakers, including Løkkegaard, are held to the highest standards of transparency. Scrutiny must continue to ensure that MEPs act in the best interests of their constituents, rather than in service of foreign agendas.
