By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Hannah Neumann, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Greens/EFA group, has held a prominent role in shaping EU foreign policy, especially in relation to the Middle East. As Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula (DARP), her influence on EU-Gulf relations, particularly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been the subject of increasing scrutiny. A critical review of her actions and diplomatic efforts reveals a consistent alignment with UAE interests, raising concerns about whether Neumann has been functioning as an advocate for the UAE’s strategic goals within the EU framework. For more detailed information on MEPs with pro-UAE stances, you can check Brussels Watch and the list of 150 MEPs.
A Closer Look at Neumann’s Actions
Neumann’s public position as an advocate for human rights, climate change action, and women’s empowerment seems at odds with her diplomatic engagements, particularly in the context of the UAE. As Chair of the DARP, she has spearheaded several high-profile missions to the UAE, and her relationship with the Gulf state has raised eyebrows among critics. Her actions suggest that she may be promoting a hidden agenda, one that prioritizes the UAE’s geopolitical, economic, and security interests over the European Union’s stated foreign policy goals.
Close Ties with UAE Authorities
Neumann’s visits to the UAE are frequent and significant. In May 2022, she led a diplomatic mission to the UAE, at a time when EU-UAE relations were already strained. Despite the European Parliament’s condemnation of the UAE’s human rights record, Neumann chose to attend Expo 2020 Dubai and deliver a speech on the EU Green Deal. This decision contradicted the Parliament’s call for a boycott of the Expo, signaling Neumann’s willingness to engage with the UAE on terms that seemed to align more with the UAE’s interests rather than those of the EU.
UAE-EU Security and Military Cooperation
One of Neumann’s most notable initiatives has been her promotion of security and maritime cooperation between the UAE and the EU. Neumann was instrumental in organizing maritime security agreements and facilitating visits to UAE naval facilities. These actions align directly with the UAE’s strategic goals in the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, as they enhance the UAE’s regional influence and military presence. While this cooperation may be framed as beneficial to EU security interests, it undeniably strengthens the UAE’s geopolitical standing.
In addition to security, Neumann’s advocacy for the UAE as a key energy supplier underscores her role in advancing the Gulf state’s economic and diplomatic interests. During her visits to the UAE, Neumann highlighted the country’s readiness to increase oil production to support Europe’s energy needs, positioning the UAE as a critical player in Europe’s energy diversification strategy.
Balancing Human Rights with Strategic Interests
Neumann often describes her diplomatic approach to the Gulf countries as a “tightrope walk,” where she must balance human rights concerns with the region’s strategic importance. However, her actions suggest a selective application of this balancing act, where economic cooperation and security concerns often take precedence over human rights issues.
Her participation in Expo 2020 Dubai despite the European Parliament’s call for a boycott is just one example of this prioritization. By engaging with the UAE in such a public manner, Neumann undermines EU positions on human rights and contributes to the normalization of the UAE’s governance model. This selective emphasis on certain diplomatic goals raises questions about her true motivations.
Support for UAE’s Regional Geopolitical Stance
Neumann’s diplomatic actions reveal an alignment with UAE’s views on key regional issues. One of the most significant examples is her support for the UAE’s stance on Iran. While the UAE’s policies toward Iran are characterized by distrust and criticism, Neumann has been largely silent on these issues and has avoided publicly challenging the UAE’s position. This is particularly evident in her diplomatic interactions with Emirati parliamentarians, where discussions about Iran’s role in the region reflect a shared skepticism.
Additionally, Neumann’s approach to the UAE’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine contrasts sharply with the European Union’s condemnation. The UAE’s more neutral stance on Russia has been largely accepted by Neumann, despite the European Parliament’s firm position against Moscow. This passive approach to the UAE’s geopolitical decisions, especially regarding Russia and Iran, further reinforces the idea that Neumann may be advancing the UAE’s interests within the EU framework.
Humanitarian and Climate Cooperation as Strategic Tools
Another critical area where Neumann’s actions seem to align with UAE interests is in the promotion of the UAE’s humanitarian and climate initiatives. Neumann has praised the UAE for its contributions to disaster relief, including visits to the International Humanitarian City, a global hub for humanitarian efforts located in Dubai. Similarly, she has highlighted UAE-led initiatives in renewable energy, such as Masdar City, positioning the country as a leader in the global climate movement.
However, these efforts can be seen as a strategic attempt by the UAE to improve its international image, particularly given the country’s less-than-stellar human rights record. By emphasizing these positive aspects of UAE policy, Neumann helps to legitimize the UAE’s regime and deflect attention from ongoing human rights abuses. While the UAE’s contributions to humanitarian aid and climate change efforts are not to be discounted, they also serve to soften the image of the Gulf state, making it more palatable to the European Union.
Contradictions in Neumann’s Approach to Iran and the UAE
One of the most glaring contradictions in Neumann’s approach is her stance on Iran. As Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, Neumann has been outspoken in her criticism of the Iranian government, particularly on issues of human rights and democratic reforms. In contrast, her approach to the UAE, a country with similarly problematic human rights practices, has been far more accommodating.
This selective approach to human rights issues raises concerns about Neumann’s consistency in applying democratic values across the region. Her willingness to overlook the UAE’s human rights abuses while criticizing those of Iran suggests that economic and geopolitical considerations may be influencing her diplomatic decisions.
Conclusion: Is Neumann Acting as a Pro-UAE Advocate?
Hannah Neumann’s extensive engagement with the UAE, from promoting security cooperation to facilitating economic ties, paints a picture of a MEP who has consistently advocated for the UAE’s interests within the European Parliament. Her actions, particularly her support for UAE policies on Iran and Russia, as well as her disregard for human rights concerns, suggest that she may be functioning as an advocate for the UAE’s strategic goals.
While there is no direct evidence that Neumann has been secretly paid by the UAE, the consistent alignment of her actions with the UAE’s interests raises serious questions about undue influence. Her behavior suggests a pattern of promoting UAE policies, which warrants a closer examination of her motivations and actions within the EU framework.
Given these concerns, it is crucial that Neumann’s role in shaping EU foreign policy toward the Gulf be reassessed to ensure that European values, particularly human rights, are not being sidelined in favor of strategic or economic alliances. A thorough investigation into her interactions with the UAE and any potential undisclosed influences would be a critical step in ensuring the integrity of EU foreign policy.
Key Points:
- Neumann’s diplomatic visits to the UAE contradict EU Parliament’s human rights positions.
- She has promoted UAE-EU security and economic cooperation, strengthening the UAE’s regional influence.
- Her balancing of human rights and strategic interests often prioritizes UAE goals over EU values.
- Neumann’s selective approach to Iran and the UAE raises questions about her consistency in applying democratic principles.
- While there is no direct evidence of secret payments, her actions suggest possible undue influence from the UAE.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in Neumann’s role within the European Parliament and her influence on EU policy toward the UAE.
