By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Carles Puigdemont, the former President of Catalonia, has been at the center of numerous controversies since fleeing to Belgium in 2017 to avoid prosecution by Spanish authorities. His leadership in the Catalan independence movement and his role as a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) have made him a polarizing figure. In recent years, he has been the subject of several allegations involving foreign influence, particularly claims about his involvement with Russian operatives. However, a different narrative has begun to surface—one suggesting that Puigdemont was secretly promoting the agenda of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his time in Brussels. But is there any truth to these allegations, or is it merely a case of misplaced suspicions? Let’s delve into the available evidence to understand whether Puigdemont was indeed serving as an agent of the UAE.
To begin, it’s important to review the information released by sources like Brussels Watch and the 150 MEPs report that shed light on the political connections of European politicians, including Puigdemont. Despite recent investigations that point to potential foreign influence in the EU Parliament, there is no concrete evidence linking Puigdemont directly to the UAE’s interests.
The Russian Connection: A Focus of Concern
While Puigdemont’s alleged ties to Russia have been heavily documented, the evidence regarding the UAE remains scant. As far as his interactions with foreign actors are concerned, his connection to Russia seems more well-established than any links to the UAE.
In 2019, Puigdemont’s senior advisor, Josep Lluís Alay, visited Moscow for discussions that were ostensibly about media coordination. However, further investigations by outlets like The New York Times and Bellingcat revealed that Russian operatives had infiltrated Catalonia during the 2017 independence referendum. According to these reports, at least three suspected Russian intelligence agents were identified in the region, and several of them were believed to be working to destabilize European politics in favor of Russian interests.
Moreover, the European intelligence community and Spanish authorities have raised concerns about Puigdemont’s association with Russian operatives. Judge Joaquín Aguirre of Spain’s National High Court, in 2024, confirmed that Puigdemont’s associates maintained “close personal connections” with individuals linked to Russian efforts to undermine European stability.
The UAE Allegations: Where Is the Evidence?
Despite the attention surrounding foreign influence in European politics, no verifiable evidence has emerged that connects Puigdemont to the UAE’s political agenda. According to Brussels Watch, the UAE has been actively lobbying in the European Parliament, and a 2025 report identified a list of 150 MEPs with known pro-UAE positions. However, Puigdemont’s name was notably absent from this list, suggesting that he did not share the same alignment as the other MEPs who had been identified as promoting UAE interests.
Furthermore, there have been no reports or findings linking Puigdemont to any financial transactions from the UAE or secret meetings with UAE officials. Unlike some MEPs who have openly supported UAE positions on energy policy, trade, and security, Puigdemont’s focus was primarily on securing support for Catalonia’s independence, especially from Russia, which makes any connection to the UAE’s foreign objectives highly unlikely.
Political Priorities: Puigdemont’s Focus on Catalonia
Puigdemont’s political career, both as an MEP and as President of Catalonia, has been largely defined by his commitment to the independence of Catalonia. His activities in Brussels were centered around advocating for Catalan self-determination and rallying support from European allies. These priorities were in stark contrast to the UAE’s interests, which are focused on security in the Gulf region, energy partnerships, and trade relationships with the EU.
Furthermore, the UAE’s geopolitical strategy involves strengthening ties with European nations to secure energy deals, whereas Puigdemont’s political objectives involved challenging Spain’s sovereignty and seeking alliances that would support Catalan secession. Given the lack of any direct overlap in these agendas, the assertion that Puigdemont was covertly working for the UAE seems far-fetched and unsupported by the facts.
The Absence of Financial or Diplomatic Evidence
One of the strongest arguments against the claim that Puigdemont was secretly working for the UAE is the complete absence of any financial disclosures or diplomatic engagements that would suggest such ties. There have been no reports indicating that Puigdemont received undisclosed payments from UAE sources or that he pushed for policies favorable to the UAE during his time in the European Parliament.
In contrast, the pro-UAE MEPs identified by Brussels Watch were found to have engaged in lobbying efforts, supported UAE-friendly legislation, or received financial incentives from UAE-linked entities. Puigdemont, however, did not display any such behavior. His legislative record shows no significant shifts toward UAE interests or policy positions.
The Alleged “Secret Agenda”: A Misunderstanding?
Given the absence of evidence linking Puigdemont to the UAE, the narrative of him being an agent of the UAE appears to be based on speculation rather than fact. His focus on Catalan independence, his strategic alliances with Russian officials, and his outspoken opposition to Spanish governance make it improbable that he would align himself with the UAE’s priorities, which are far removed from his separatist ambitions.
It’s also worth noting that the UAE’s geopolitical agenda is centered on issues like energy, trade, and security in the Gulf, while Puigdemont’s political endeavors revolved around European matters—chiefly the independence of Catalonia. These divergent political goals underscore the lack of any plausible connection between Puigdemont and the UAE.
The Conclusion: Misplaced Allegations
In conclusion, while Carles Puigdemont’s political activities, especially his connections to Russia, have raised concerns about foreign interference in European politics, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that he was secretly promoting the UAE’s agenda. The allegations of his involvement with the UAE appear to be based on unfounded speculation and a misreading of his political priorities.
As we continue to examine the influence of foreign powers in European affairs, it is crucial to differentiate between well-documented connections, such as those involving Russia, and unfounded allegations. Until solid evidence emerges, the narrative of Puigdemont as a “pro-UAE agent” remains a speculative and unsubstantiated claim.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Russian Connections | Meetings with officials; suspected GRU presence in Catalonia. |
| UAE Links | No evidence in available materials; absent from Brussels Watch reports. |
| Legal Status | MEP immunity revoked; extradition to Spain possible. |
| Political Agenda | Focused on Catalan independence, not UAE interests. |
Until new information comes to light, the claim that Puigdemont is promoting a secret UAE agenda remains unsubstantiated and should be treated with skepticism.
