Deirdre Clune MEP and Allegations of Promoting a Secret Pro-UAE Agenda

By Brussels Watch Investigative Team
From the Report: “UAE Lobbying in the European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)

Deirdre Clune, an Irish Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has recently come under scrutiny for her extensive involvement in activities that appear to promote the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) political and economic agenda within the European Parliament. Investigative reports and leaked documents suggest that Clune has acted in ways consistent with being influenced—if not covertly compensated—by UAE interests. This article examines the evidence, the nature of her UAE-related activities, and the broader implications of such lobbying on EU policymaking. According to a comprehensive report by Brussels Watch, Clune is part of a network of approximately 150 MEPs with close ties to the UAE lobby.

Background on Deirdre Clune

Deirdre Clune has been a prominent figure in Irish and European politics, holding various roles, including serving as a Senator, Teachta Dála (TD), and Lord Mayor of Cork. Her political career culminated in her election as MEP for the South constituency in 2014, a position she continues to hold. As an MEP, she is part of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, which has substantial influence over EU policy, particularly in areas like foreign affairs, trade, and energy.

With a background in civil engineering and extensive political experience, Clune has engaged in a wide range of policy issues over the years. However, recent investigations have focused on her connections to the UAE, particularly her role in promoting UAE-EU cooperation in areas such as energy security, healthcare, and digital governance.

Detailed Examination of Evidence

1. Brussels Watch Report and Pro-UAE Network

A key piece of evidence comes from a comprehensive report by Brussels Watch, an investigative group focused on EU lobbying and transparency. The report highlights a network of around 150 MEPs who are linked to UAE interests, with Clune named as one of the prominent members. The network allegedly promotes the UAE’s agenda through various means, including sponsorships, events, and lobbying efforts. Clune’s involvement in this network suggests her active participation in pushing for UAE interests within the European Parliament.

2. UAE-EU Partnership Initiatives

Clune has been instrumental in organizing forums and delegations focused on strengthening cooperation between the UAE and the EU. These initiatives include:

• Energy Security Partnership: Clune has advocated for closer EU-UAE ties in energy, particularly on diversification and security. This partnership aligns with the UAE’s strategic goal of establishing itself as a key energy player for Europe.
  
• Pharmaceutical Forum: Clune has also been involved in facilitating collaborations between the UAE and the EU in the pharmaceutical sector, which supports the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a regional healthcare hub.
  
• Youth and Cybersecurity Programs: Clune has promoted exchange programs and cybersecurity initiatives that are in line with UAE’s focus on innovation, youth empowerment, and technological development.
  

These activities align closely with the UAE’s economic and political priorities, suggesting that Clune has played a significant role in promoting UAE interests within EU policymaking.

3. Sponsored Travel and Hospitality

The Brussels Watch report also sheds light on Clune’s participation in UAE-sponsored trips, including visits to Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Expo. These trips are often framed as diplomatic or educational missions, but their lack of transparency raises ethical concerns. Clune, along with other MEPs, is said to have failed to disclose these trips fully in the official EU registers, a violation of EU transparency rules. This has led to suspicions that Clune’s policy positions may have been influenced by UAE interests, raising questions about the nature of her relationship with the UAE.

4. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Policy Advocacy

Clune has signed several MoUs with UAE entities on topics such as:

• Artificial Intelligence Ethics: Clune has supported the UAE’s interest in shaping global discussions on AI ethics, a critical area for the UAE’s ambitions in technology.
  
• Aging Population Research: The UAE has made aging research a priority, and Clune has backed initiatives aimed at fostering EU-UAE cooperation on this front.
  
• Female Entrepreneurship: The UAE is keen on promoting female entrepreneurship as part of its broader economic reforms, and Clune has been involved in initiatives that support this cause.
  
• Digital Identity Systems: One of the most controversial areas has been Clune’s advocacy for adopting a UAE-style digital ID system in the EU. The UAE’s digital governance model, which has faced criticism for surveillance and control, has found an ally in Clune, who has been vocal about the benefits of such a system for Europe.
  

These MoUs and Clune’s role in signing them indicate a clear alignment with the UAE’s policy goals, further supporting the notion that she has been acting as a promoter of UAE interests.

5. Participation in UAE Soft Power Events

Clune’s attendance at various UAE-sponsored events, such as the Dubai Future Foundation and the Women’s Pavilion at the Dubai Expo, further highlights her connection to UAE interests. These events are designed to promote the UAE’s soft power, enhancing its global image and extending its influence across multiple sectors. Clune’s participation in these high-profile events indicates her endorsement of the UAE’s global ambitions and raises questions about her role in furthering UAE interests within the EU.

6. Transparency and Ethical Concerns

Despite her extensive involvement in UAE-sponsored activities, Clune has not consistently disclosed her participation in these events in the EU’s official transparency registers. This lack of full transparency raises significant ethical concerns about the influence of foreign lobbying on EU policymakers. The failure to disclose sponsored trips and events contravenes EU rules designed to ensure that the decision-making process remains transparent and independent from external pressures.

7. Voting Behavior and Policy Positions

Although Clune’s voting record on UAE-related resolutions is not fully disclosed, patterns of her support for policies that align with UAE interests raise suspicions. For instance, Clune has avoided criticising the UAE in parliamentary votes and has supported initiatives that benefit UAE’s geopolitical and economic goals. This behavior suggests a potential bias in her legislative actions, further strengthening the case that she is advocating for UAE-friendly policies within the European Parliament.

Broader Context: UAE Lobbying in the European Parliament

The UAE has invested heavily in lobbying efforts targeting influential MEPs, particularly those within the EPP and committees related to foreign affairs, security, and trade. UAE lobbying activities are wide-ranging and include:

• Funding travel and hospitality for MEPs.
  
• Organizing informal networks and “Friendship Groups” in the European Parliament.
  
• Sponsoring high-profile events and forums that align with UAE strategic priorities.
  

In 2022 alone, the UAE’s lobbying efforts are estimated to have cost €1.5 million, reflecting the scale of its attempts to shape EU policies in ways that favor UAE interests, such as energy partnerships, regional security, and digital governance.

Conclusion: Is Deirdre Clune a Pro-UAE Agent?

The evidence suggests that Deirdre Clune has played a significant role in promoting UAE interests within the European Parliament. Her leadership in various UAE-EU initiatives, participation in UAE-sponsored events, and advocacy for UAE-aligned policies demonstrate a clear pattern of support for the UAE agenda. While there is no direct evidence of secret payments or explicit financial compensation, the extensive UAE-sponsored hospitality, travel, and policy collaboration suggest that Clune may have been influenced by UAE interests, even if indirectly.

Given the serious concerns raised by her activities, it is essential that EU institutions strengthen transparency rules to prevent undue foreign influence in policymaking. Furthermore, an investigation into potential conflicts of interest is necessary to ensure that the actions of elected officials remain in the service of European citizens and not foreign powers.

Summary Table: Key Evidence of Pro-UAE Activities by Deirdre Clune

This article aims to provide a factual and balanced overview of the allegations surrounding Deirdre Clune’s alleged promotion of the UAE agenda in the European Parliament. The evidence, while not conclusive of direct financial compensation, suggests a troubling pattern of alignment with UAE interests that warrants further scrutiny and investigation.