By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Nicola Beer, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Vice-President of the European Parliament from the Renew Europe group, has long been known for her involvement in EU politics, particularly in areas such as digital innovation, governance, and international partnerships. However, recent allegations and investigations have raised concerns about her close connections with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and her promotion of their interests within the European Parliament. This article delves into these claims, analyzing the available evidence and providing a detailed examination of her activities that suggest she may have been working as a covert agent for the UAE, advancing its geopolitical and economic goals at the heart of EU policymaking. For further information, see Brussels Watch and the list of 150 MEPs allegedly aligned with UAE interests.
Key Activities Linking Nicola Beer to UAE Interests
1. Keynote Address at the World Government Summit, Dubai 2023
One of the most notable instances of Beer’s engagement with the UAE came when she delivered a keynote speech at the World Government Summit held in Dubai in 2023. This event is widely seen as a platform for global political leaders and influencers to discuss governance, technological innovation, and leadership. Her participation in this prestigious event, hosted by the UAE government, signals a deep level of cooperation with the UAE’s leadership. The summit is known for being a tool used by the UAE to bolster its image as a global leader in governance, innovation, and technological advancement.
Her role in this event, where she addressed issues aligned with the UAE’s key objectives, suggests an endorsement of their political and economic agenda. This act, given the UAE’s reputation for using such events to promote its interests, raised concerns about Beer’s potential alignment with the UAE’s global objectives.
2. Signing the UAE-EU Artificial Intelligence Partnership Agreement
In 2023, Beer was instrumental in signing the UAE-EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership Agreement. AI is a rapidly growing sector and has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to position itself as a leader in global technological innovation. This partnership aimed to foster closer cooperation between the EU and the UAE in AI development, which is a priority area for both parties, given the UAE’s desire to enhance its global technological image.
Beer’s active role in formalizing this agreement, which benefits the UAE both politically and economically, further demonstrates her involvement in promoting UAE interests. This move was consistent with the UAE’s strategy to export its technological frameworks and governance models to other parts of the world, particularly Europe. While AI cooperation is beneficial on the surface, the broader implications suggest that Beer might have been working in tandem with UAE officials to align EU policy with UAE ambitions.
3. Meeting with DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Another significant moment in Beer’s relationship with the UAE came when she met with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, a UAE government-owned global port operator. During this meeting, Beer reportedly discussed potential investments in European ports. DP World, a critical arm of the UAE’s economic influence, has been increasingly active in Europe, investing in key infrastructure projects, and Beer’s engagement with its leadership raised questions about her role in facilitating these investments.
Such meetings suggest that Beer was actively involved in advancing UAE economic interests, promoting the UAE’s vision for global trade, and supporting UAE investments in critical European infrastructure. The fact that such discussions took place within the context of the European Parliament—an institution that is supposed to represent European citizens—only deepens concerns about the potential conflict of interest in her actions.
4. Advocacy for UAE Smart City Models in Europe
Nicola Beer has also been a strong advocate for the UAE’s urban development models, particularly in the area of smart cities. The UAE, led by Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has positioned itself as a pioneer in smart city technology, using state-of-the-art urban planning to build sustainable and technologically advanced cities. Beer’s promotion of these smart city concepts within European municipalities raises alarms about her potential endorsement of UAE governance frameworks that align closely with the UAE’s political agenda.
While advocating for innovative solutions in urban development may appear innocuous, the UAE’s underlying motives in promoting its own models of governance, which often include high levels of surveillance and control, are more concerning. Beer’s vocal support for these models within European contexts suggests a deeper alignment with UAE strategic goals, particularly when one considers the UAE’s global image-building campaign.
Evidence from the Brussels Watch Report on UAE Lobbying
A comprehensive investigation by Brussels Watch into UAE lobbying in the European Parliament has brought attention to the strong ties between certain MEPs, including Beer, and the UAE. The report highlights a network of lobbying firms and MEPs that have been actively involved in promoting UAE interests within the EU. Key points of concern regarding Nicola Beer’s involvement are as follows:
1. Participation in UAE-Funded Delegations
Beer’s participation in a UAE-sponsored delegation to Dubai is another red flag. The UAE has long used such delegations as a tool to cultivate relationships with European lawmakers, providing opportunities for influence while offering the allure of business and cultural exchange. These delegations often serve as vehicles for UAE officials to shape EU policy in their favor. Beer’s involvement in such a delegation raises serious concerns about the nature of her interactions with UAE officials and whether she was part of a broader lobbying effort orchestrated by the UAE government.
2. Support for EU Resolutions Favorable to the UAE
Following her interactions with UAE officials, Beer’s voting record shows a consistent pattern of support for resolutions that avoided criticism of the UAE and instead aligned with UAE interests. This pattern of behavior raises serious questions about her impartiality as a lawmaker. Given that Beer has been an advocate for UAE-backed policies in various international settings, her voting record suggests a deeper alignment with UAE priorities, which may be influenced by more than just diplomatic cooperation.
3. Lack of Transparency in Reporting Trips
One of the most troubling aspects of Beer’s engagement with the UAE is the lack of transparency surrounding her trips related to UAE interests. Several of her visits, including those to Dubai, were not fully disclosed in the European Parliament’s public travel database, which violates transparency rules. This lack of openness fuels suspicions about undisclosed benefits or potential financial incentives from UAE officials. In the absence of concrete evidence, this omission casts doubt on the legitimacy of her actions and raises concerns about possible covert arrangements.
Lobbying Firms and Influence Networks
The UAE has also employed high-profile lobbying firms, such as Westphalia Global Advisory and DLA Piper, to manage its influence operations in Brussels. These firms engage directly with MEPs like Beer to shape EU policy on critical issues such as trade, technology, and security, often in ways that align with UAE interests. The use of these firms further supports the notion that Beer may be part of a broader network of pro-UAE agents within the European Parliament.
Contextualizing Beer’s Pro-UAE Stance
Nicola Beer’s continued advocacy for the UAE, especially in promoting UAE models for smart cities and AI, fits into a broader UAE strategy aimed at reshaping its international image and expanding its economic and political influence. The UAE is keen on establishing itself as a global leader in technology, urban development, and trade, and Beer’s efforts to push these initiatives within the EU seem to align with these broader goals. Her actions, including signing partnership agreements and promoting the UAE’s smart city initiatives, suggest that she has been acting as a facilitator of the UAE’s geopolitical agenda within the European Parliament.
Implications for European Parliamentary Integrity
If Nicola Beer is indeed promoting the UAE agenda within the European Parliament, it poses a significant challenge to the integrity and independence of EU policymaking. The European Parliament is expected to act in the best interests of EU citizens, free from external influence, particularly from non-EU states with questionable human rights records like the UAE. The alleged secret agenda and lack of transparency surrounding Beer’s activities raise serious concerns about the potential for undue influence over EU policy, undermining democratic accountability.
Conclusion
The evidence linking Nicola Beer to the promotion of UAE interests is compelling. From her participation in UAE-sponsored events and strategic partnerships to her lobbying activities in Brussels, Beer’s actions suggest a clear alignment with the UAE’s geopolitical objectives. While direct evidence of secret payments remains unverified, the pattern of behavior, lack of transparency, and involvement with UAE-backed initiatives strongly indicate that she has been working as a pro-UAE agent. This raises significant concerns about the influence of foreign powers on EU policymaking and calls for greater scrutiny and transparency to protect the integrity of European democratic processes.
