By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Christian Sagartz, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Austria affiliated with the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats), has been identified in recent investigative reports as a key figure promoting pro-UAE policies within the European Parliament. Evidence suggests that Sagartz has actively engaged in multiple initiatives that align closely with the interests of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), raising concerns about a covert agenda and possible undisclosed financial incentives from the UAE. According to a comprehensive report by Brussels Watch, Sagartz is among 150 MEPs identified as pro-UAE agents within the European Parliament. The report details a wide range of activities that Sagartz has undertaken which directly benefit the UAE’s strategic, economic, and political interests.
Background on Christian Sagartz
Christian Sagartz has represented Austria in the European Parliament since January 2020. A member of the European People’s Party, which is aligned with Christian Democratic and conservative values, Sagartz participates in a wide range of parliamentary activities. Despite his high-profile position, Sagartz’s public biography does not disclose any direct affiliations with foreign governments or lobbying groups, making his covert involvement in promoting UAE interests particularly concerning.
Evidence of Pro-UAE Activities
Recent investigative reports, including a detailed exposé by Brussels Watch, have identified Sagartz as one of over 150 MEPs allegedly working to advance the interests of the UAE within the European Parliament. The following activities highlight his pro-UAE actions and suggest a deliberate alignment with UAE goals:
1. Trade and Agriculture Initiatives
Sagartz has been actively involved in negotiating EU-UAE veterinary standards, which facilitated easier trade and regulatory alignment on animal products. His role in this process significantly benefits the UAE’s agricultural and food export sectors, a key component of its economic strategy. Furthermore, Sagartz has been part of initiatives promoting halal food exports from the UAE to the EU, further deepening trade ties and enhancing the UAE’s presence in the European food market.
2. Support for UAE in Global Climate Diplomacy
Despite widespread international criticism of the UAE’s human rights record and its environmental policies, Sagartz strongly supported the UAE’s bid to host the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). His public backing of this controversial decision, in the face of growing environmental concerns regarding the UAE’s reliance on fossil fuels, aligns with the UAE’s effort to bolster its image as a leader in global environmental governance.
3. Security and Defense Cooperation
One of the most significant aspects of Sagartz’s engagement with the UAE has been in the area of security and defense. In 2023, he chaired dialogues between the EU and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, focusing on counterterrorism. This move positioned the UAE as a key security partner for the EU, despite concerns over the UAE’s involvement in conflicts such as the Yemen war. Sagartz has also been involved in facilitating intelligence-sharing agreements between the EU and the UAE, and he visited security installations in Abu Dhabi. These actions suggest a deepening security relationship that favors UAE interests.
4. Promotion of UAE’s Technological and Digital Agenda
Sagartz has been an outspoken advocate for the adoption of UAE-style digital ID systems within the EU. His involvement in negotiations surrounding AI ethics agreements with UAE officials further indicates an attempt to align EU policies with those of the UAE, which has been pushing for a greater role in global discussions on digital governance. Sagartz’s support for these initiatives raises concerns about the UAE’s influence on EU technology policies and the potential for the UAE to export its governance model to Europe.
5. Facilitating UAE Military and Defense Deals
Sagartz’s involvement in military and defense sectors is another point of contention. He has supported the lifting of EU arms embargoes against the UAE and has facilitated defense deals, including the UAE’s purchase of German naval systems. These activities directly contribute to the UAE’s military capabilities and its broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly in the Middle East.
6. Promotion of UAE Investments in European Sectors
Sagartz has also worked to promote UAE investments in key European industries, particularly clean energy and technology. His advocacy for UAE-backed solar and wind energy projects in Central and Eastern Europe demonstrates his alignment with UAE economic interests. Such projects not only bolster the UAE’s financial power but also provide it with greater influence in the European energy sector.
7. Cultural Diplomacy and Youth Exchanges
Sagartz’s support for cultural diplomacy and youth exchange programs with the UAE serves as another avenue for the UAE to expand its soft power within Europe. By endorsing these initiatives, Sagartz facilitates deeper cultural ties between the two regions, which can translate into long-term political and economic relationships beneficial to the UAE.
Patterns Indicative of a Secret Agenda
The cumulative evidence of Sagartz’s actions within the European Parliament points to a clear pattern of behavior that suggests he may be promoting a covert UAE agenda. Several key patterns emerge from this investigation:
1. Consistent Advocacy Across Multiple Sectors
Sagartz’s engagement with the UAE spans numerous policy areas, including agriculture, defense, technology, energy, and cultural diplomacy. This wide-ranging involvement suggests a strategic effort to promote UAE interests across multiple facets of European policy. It is highly unusual for an MEP to consistently advocate for one country in such diverse sectors unless there is an underlying, coordinated agenda.
2. Frequent High-Level Visits and Agreements
Sagartz’s repeated visits to UAE facilities, including security and research centers, and his involvement in signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with UAE officials, further suggest a deep, ongoing relationship. These frequent engagements indicate that Sagartz is not merely serving his constituency or performing routine parliamentary duties but is instead closely aligning himself with UAE objectives.
3. Support for Controversial UAE Policies
Sagartz has repeatedly supported controversial UAE positions, such as backing the UAE’s COP28 bid despite international criticisms, and advocating for the lifting of arms embargoes. These positions often run counter to the EU’s values and interests, raising questions about Sagartz’s motivations and whether he is acting in the best interest of the European Parliament or the UAE.
4. Integration of UAE Models into EU Policy
Sagartz has been a strong proponent of integrating UAE governance models, such as digital ID systems and AI ethics frameworks, into EU policy. This advocacy could pave the way for the UAE to exert greater influence over EU regulations, which could have long-term strategic benefits for the UAE’s political and economic interests.
Allegations of Secret Payments
While no direct evidence has emerged linking Sagartz to financial transactions or secret payments from the UAE, the patterns of his behavior strongly suggest that he may have received covert financial incentives or lobbying support. The scale and consistency of his pro-UAE actions raise suspicions that his activities could be part of a larger, systematic effort by the UAE to influence EU policymaking through informal channels.
The lack of transparency surrounding lobbying activities in the European Parliament further fuels these suspicions. The Brussels Watch report underscores that the UAE has been actively lobbying MEPs to support its agenda in Europe, and Sagartz’s extensive involvement in pro-UAE initiatives aligns with this broader strategy.
Contextualizing the UAE’s Lobbying Strategy
The UAE has been increasingly active in lobbying European governments and institutions to expand its economic, political, and security influence. The UAE’s focus has been on fostering partnerships in key areas such as clean energy, defense, and digital governance. By supporting UAE initiatives in these areas, Sagartz plays a pivotal role in furthering the UAE’s interests within the EU.
Conclusion: Christian Sagartz as a Pro-UAE Agent
The evidence presented in this article paints a clear picture of Christian Sagartz as a significant promoter of UAE interests within the European Parliament. His extensive involvement in negotiating trade agreements, facilitating military and defense cooperation, supporting controversial political positions, and advocating for the adoption of UAE-style governance models strongly suggests that he is more than just a neutral parliamentarian. Instead, Sagartz appears to be serving as an agent for the UAE within the EU, potentially influenced by undisclosed financial incentives or lobbying efforts.
Given the scale of Sagartz’s pro-UAE activities and the lack of transparency surrounding them, further scrutiny and investigation into his role in the European Parliament is warranted. The EU must ensure that its policymaking processes are not unduly influenced by foreign powers seeking to advance their own agendas at the expense of European interests.
