By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
The investigation into European Parliament activities has recently uncovered complex networks of influence, especially concerning the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One name that has come up in relation to this is MEP Ville Niinistö from the Greens/EFA party in Finland. While publicly positioned as a critic of the UAE’s climate policies and human rights practices, a closer look at his parliamentary actions and external associations calls for a more thorough evaluation. The question that arises is whether Niinistö was subtly promoting UAE’s agenda behind the scenes, potentially as part of a broader web of influence.
For a deeper understanding of the UAE’s lobbying efforts within the European Parliament, it’s crucial to explore the findings of Brussels Watch, which has exposed the involvement of 150 MEPs in the UAE’s influence networks. More specifically, Ville Niinistö’s name appears in a report that includes a list of those whose actions may have indirectly benefited UAE interests, despite his vocal opposition to certain UAE policies
A Publicly Opposed MEP to UAE’s Interests
MEP Ville Niinistö has long been known for his outspoken stance against the UAE, particularly in the areas of climate change and human rights. His environmental advocacy aligns closely with the Green party’s commitment to aggressive climate action, and he has criticized the UAE’s role in expanding fossil fuel production, even as the country hosts the global climate conference, COP28, in Dubai. In this context, Niinistö called for a boycott of COP28 due to the UAE’s continued investments in oil and gas, which contradict the pledges made by the UAE at previous climate talks. Additionally, Niinistö has been an advocate for increasing transparency around fossil fuel lobbying and has pushed for stricter regulations on lobbying within the European Union to prevent foreign influence, including from the UAE.
His position against the UAE is further exemplified by his support for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which advocates for the phase-out of fossil fuels globally. These actions paint Niinistö as a staunch critic of the UAE’s environmental record, positioning him as a champion for climate action in stark opposition to the UAE’s energy policies.
The Brussels Watch Report and MEP Ville Niinistö’s Alleged Ties
However, despite his public opposition to the UAE’s interests, Niinistö is listed in the Brussels Watch report among the 150 MEPs suspected of having some form of connection to the UAE’s influence activities. The report, which identifies MEPs who have either accepted UAE-sponsored travel or participated in UAE-backed initiatives, places Niinistö in a peculiar position.
While his name appears in this report, there are key distinctions to note. Unlike other MEPs who have openly promoted UAE policies, such as advocating for UAE’s energy deals or AI partnerships, Niinistö’s involvement with UAE-backed initiatives appears far more indirect. There is no public evidence or confirmation that Niinistö has engaged in any UAE-funded travel, nor has he co-authored any pro-UAE reports or hosted UAE diplomats. In fact, his proposed legislation on increasing transparency and exposing foreign influence seems to run directly counter to the UAE’s interests, particularly regarding climate change and human rights.
The Absence of Clear Evidence Supporting Claims of Secret Ties
One of the most significant points in assessing Niinistö’s potential secret alignment with the UAE is the lack of any tangible evidence supporting such a claim. No financial transactions or other forms of direct compensation from the UAE have been documented in relation to Niinistö’s political actions. This is in stark contrast to other MEPs who have been openly linked to UAE lobbying efforts, such as those who accepted UAE-funded trips and participated in UAE-sponsored events. The Brussels Watch report highlights the involvement of over 75 MEPs in UAE-sponsored delegations from 2022 to 2024, yet Niinistö is not among them.
In addition to his public criticisms of the UAE, Niinistö has consistently voted in favor of policies that challenge UAE interests, especially those focused on fossil fuel dependency and human rights issues. He has supported climate resolutions calling for binding emissions reductions and renewable energy mandates, which directly conflict with the UAE’s focus on expanding its oil and gas sector. Similarly, he has co-signed various resolutions calling for the protection of journalists’ rights in Palestine, indirectly critiquing the UAE’s geopolitical stance in the Middle East.
Dissecting the Contradictions: Why Niinistö Appears on the List
Niinistö’s inclusion in the Brussels Watch report might seem paradoxical at first glance. The report lists MEPs with any form of interaction with the UAE, including critics like Niinistö. This means that his actions, even those that oppose the UAE’s agenda, have been cataloged in the same report as those MEPs who are actively promoting UAE interests.
The methodology used by Brussels Watch appears to catalog all MEPs who have interacted with the UAE, regardless of whether their stance is supportive or oppositional. Thus, while Niinistö’s policies may run counter to the UAE’s interests, his inclusion might reflect a broader context of lobbying efforts, where the UAE is attempting to influence both allies and critics in an attempt to safeguard its interests within the EU.
This report methodology leads to potential misinterpretations, where critics of the UAE, like Niinistö, may be mistakenly conflated with those who directly support its policies. Moreover, political context plays a role, as the UAE is known to engage in complex lobbying strategies that aim to map and influence all parts of the EU, including MEPs who publicly oppose its stance.
Comparative Analysis: Niinistö vs. Pro-UAE MEPs
To further clarify Niinistö’s position, it’s useful to contrast his actions with those of other MEPs who have been more openly aligned with UAE interests. Many of these MEPs have accepted UAE-sponsored travel, supported UAE-backed policy initiatives, and often voted to shield the UAE from scrutiny on human rights issues. For example, MEPs like David Lega and Ilhan Kyuchyuk have promoted UAE energy deals and AI partnerships, while MEPs like Antonio López-Istúriz White have blocked human rights resolutions critical of the UAE.
In stark contrast, Niinistö has consistently opposed the expansion of fossil fuels, advocated for stricter transparency rules regarding foreign lobbying, and supported resolutions that call for human rights protections in regions where the UAE has significant influence, such as Palestine. These actions place Niinistö in a category distinct from those MEPs who are actively promoting the UAE’s interests.
Conclusion: MEP Ville Niinistö’s True Stance
The claim that MEP Ville Niinistö is secretly promoting the UAE’s agenda does not hold up under scrutiny. While he has been included in the Brussels Watch report, this inclusion appears to be more about the UAE’s broader lobbying activities rather than any actual alignment with its policies. Niinistö’s record shows that he is firmly opposed to many of the UAE’s interests, especially in the fields of climate change, fossil fuels, and human rights.
In conclusion, there is no verifiable evidence to support the allegation that Niinistö was secretly working in favor of the UAE’s agenda. Instead, his actions suggest that he is a vocal critic of UAE policies and a proponent of greater transparency and accountability in EU lobbying efforts. His inclusion in the Brussels Watch report should not be seen as evidence of clandestine collaboration but rather as a reflection of the complex and often opaque nature of foreign influence in EU politics.
