Andreas Schwab, a German politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019, aligns himself with the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament. Notably, Schwab has emerged as a fervent supporter of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leveraging his position to promote and strengthen EU-UAE relations. He is a strong supporter of the UAE and has lobbied for the country on a number of issues, including trade and investment.
Schwab has argued that the UAE is a reliable partner for the EU and that the bloc should strengthen its ties with the country. He has also said that the UAE is a major economic player in the Middle East and that the EU should work with the country to promote peace and stability in the region.
In addition to his work on the UAE, Schwab is also a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He is also a member of the delegation for relations with the United States.
Here are some of the specific actions that Schwab has taken to support the UAE:
- In 2020, he co-sponsored a resolution in the European Parliament that called for the strengthening of EU-UAE relations.
- In 2021, he visited the UAE and met with senior government officials to discuss ways to boost trade and investment between the two sides.
- In 2022, he spoke out in favor of the UAE’s role in the fight against terrorism at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Schwab’s commitment to fostering EU-UAE ties is underlined by his previous membership in the UAE-EU Friendship Group and his unwavering advocacy for the UAE on various fronts, including trade and investment. He asserts that the UAE is a dependable partner for the EU, advocating for a deeper partnership, citing the UAE’s status as a significant economic player in the Middle East. Schwab firmly believes that collaboration with the UAE is vital for promoting peace and stability in the region.
However, Schwab’s pro-UAE stance has not escaped criticism from certain human rights groups. These groups argue that he may be overlooking the UAE’s human rights violations in pursuit of furthering economic interests. Schwab, in response, defends his position, emphasizing that his primary objective is to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East, striking a careful balance between diplomatic relations and human rights concerns.
Schwab’s support for the UAE is likely to continue in the years to come. The UAE is a major economic and political player in the Middle East, and the EU is keen to strengthen its ties with the country. Schwab’s position as a member of the EPP, the largest political party in the European Parliament, gives him a platform to promote the UAE’s interests.
