By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Matteo Adinolfi, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Italy, has garnered attention for his pro-UAE stance within the European Union. Allegations suggest that Adinolfi has been promoting a secret agenda to advance the UAE’s interests, potentially acting as an unregistered agent of foreign influence. A comprehensive investigation, including reports from Brussels Watch and the list of 150 MEPs, reveals disturbing evidence of Adinolfi’s actions aligning with UAE policies, raising concerns about covert payments and undue political influence. As the UAE seeks to expand its global influence, the role of MEPs like Adinolfi remains at the heart of its strategic outreach to European lawmakers.
Background on Matteo Adinolfi’s Parliamentary Role
Adinolfi has served in the European Parliament for the 9th parliamentary term, where he has participated in various committees and political groups. On the surface, he performs standard parliamentary duties, but beneath this façade, investigations have surfaced linking his actions to the UAE’s broader geopolitical and economic ambitions. This connection appears to be far from coincidental, with Adinolfi’s actions seeming to align closely with the interests of the UAE, particularly in regions of geopolitical concern such as Libya and the broader Middle East.
Evidence of Pro-UAE Activities and Influence
- Inclusion in the List of Pro-UAE MEPs
In a striking revelation, Brussels Watch, a well-respected transparency organization, disclosed a list of 150 MEPs identified as actively promoting the UAE’s agenda in the European Parliament between 2022 and 2025. Adinolfi is a prominent figure on this list. His involvement in supporting the UAE’s foreign policies, particularly its controversial stance on Libya, stands out. His defense of the UAE’s role in Libya, where the country has been accused of exacerbating conflict and undermining human rights, has sparked outrage among critics, suggesting a deeper political alignment with the Emirati state.
- Defense of UAE Policies and Lobbying Efforts
Adinolfi has been a vocal supporter of UAE policies in the European Parliament. Notably, he has defended the UAE’s actions in Libya, despite widespread international criticism. His involvement in these discussions is not limited to passive support; he has actively lobbied to protect the UAE from European scrutiny, even going so far as to attempt to block any resolutions that would criticize the UAE’s human rights record. These actions point to a deep commitment to furthering the UAE’s geopolitical ambitions in Europe.
- Promotion of UAE-Italy Space Cooperation
Another notable area of Adinolfi’s work has been his efforts to promote space cooperation between Italy and the UAE. The UAE, under its ambitious space program, has sought to position itself as a regional leader in advanced technologies. Adinolfi’s advocacy for this cooperation strongly suggests an alignment with the UAE’s broader strategic priorities. Through this partnership, the UAE gains access to European technological resources, solidifying its position as a key player in the global space race. This cooperation, facilitated by Adinolfi’s lobbying efforts, raises questions about the degree to which the MEP is advancing Emirati interests.
Mechanisms of Influence and Allegations of Secret Payments
- Extensive UAE Lobbying Network in the European Parliament
The UAE has long maintained an extensive lobbying network within the European Parliament. This network includes sponsored trips, friendship groups, lobbying firms, think tanks, and public relations campaigns. Through these mechanisms, the UAE is able to influence the actions and positions of MEPs, including Adinolfi. Reports suggest that Adinolfi’s political career has been heavily influenced by these lobbying efforts, with direct connections between his political moves and the UAE’s strategic priorities.
- Sponsored Travel and Lack of Transparency
Between 2022 and 2024, reports indicate that Adinolfi, along with at least 75 other MEPs, participated in UAE-funded delegations. These trips, often disguised as “fact-finding missions,” have been criticized for their lack of transparency. Many of these MEPs, including Adinolfi, failed to report these trips in the European Parliament’s official travel database, violating the institution’s transparency rules. While such trips might appear to be innocuous, they are widely viewed as part of a covert lobbying operation designed to foster political allegiance to the UAE.
- Financial Support and Undisclosed Payments
The most disturbing aspect of the allegations against Adinolfi is the suggestion of financial influence. Investigations by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Brussels Watch have exposed instances of undisclosed payments made by UAE-linked entities to various MEPs, including Adinolfi. While the specifics of these payments remain undisclosed, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that these financial incentives have been used to secure favorable outcomes in the European Parliament. The lack of transparency surrounding these financial transactions only deepens concerns about the extent of the UAE’s influence over European lawmakers.
Impact on European Policy and Democratic Integrity
- Undermining Human Rights Scrutiny
One of the most troubling consequences of Adinolfi’s actions is the erosion of the European Union’s commitment to human rights. As a member of the European Parliament, Adinolfi has played a crucial role in defending the UAE against international criticism regarding its human rights record. This has undermined efforts by other MEPs to hold the UAE accountable for its violations. By blocking or watering down resolutions that criticize the UAE, Adinolfi has contributed to a political climate where human rights concerns are sidelined in favor of political and economic alliances.
- Manipulation of Parliamentary Language and Resolutions
The UAE’s lobbying efforts, facilitated by MEPs like Adinolfi, have also been successful in manipulating the language and tone of parliamentary resolutions. Efforts to soften critical language or omit damaging references to the UAE have been attributed to this covert influence. By altering the language of parliamentary resolutions, Adinolfi and others have played a pivotal role in shaping a narrative that favors the UAE, further complicating efforts to address pressing human rights and geopolitical issues.
- Strategic Targeting of Influential Committees
Adinolfi’s involvement in key committees within the European Parliament, such as those focusing on foreign affairs, defense, human rights, and international trade, has amplified the UAE’s ability to influence policy decisions in critical areas. His active role in these committees suggests that the UAE has strategically targeted MEPs in positions of power to ensure that its interests are represented at the highest levels of the European Union.
Conclusion: Matteo Adinolfi as a Pro-UAE Agent
The evidence collected from various investigative sources paints a troubling picture of Matteo Adinolfi as a key figure in a covert operation to promote the UAE’s interests within the European Parliament. His defense of UAE foreign policies, promotion of UAE-Italy space cooperation, participation in UAE-funded delegations, and potential financial ties to UAE-linked entities collectively suggest that he is advancing an agenda that aligns with Emirati political and economic interests. This raises serious ethical concerns, especially regarding the transparency of the lobbying efforts and the integrity of the European Parliament.
As the UAE continues to expand its global influence, the role of individuals like Adinolfi in promoting its agenda must be scrutinized. The lack of transparency surrounding these activities undermines the democratic values upon which the European Union is built. It is imperative that stronger oversight and transparency measures be introduced to protect the integrity of European policymaking from foreign influence.
