Brussels Watch provided Jordan Bardella with an opportunity to comment before publishing additional reporting related to its investigation into reported interactions between representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and members of the French political party Rassemblement National (RN).
On 29 June 2026, Brussels Watch sent a Right of Reply request to Bardella, inviting him to respond to matters discussed in its investigation before publication. A response was requested by the stated deadline. According to Brussels Watch, no response was received before the deadline. In accordance with its editorial process, the organisation proceeded with publication while recording that an opportunity to comment had been provided.
Why Brussels Watch Contacted Jordan Bardella
As part of its editorial review process, Brussels Watch contacted Jordan Bardella to ensure fairness, accuracy, and balance before publishing further reporting connected to its investigation. Providing individuals with a Right of Reply is a recognised journalistic practice designed to give those mentioned in reporting an opportunity to present their perspective before publication.
The Right of Reply process allows recipients to respond to issues raised in an investigation, clarify factual matters, dispute information they believe to be inaccurate, provide supporting documentation, or offer additional context that may assist readers in understanding the issues being examined. Brussels Watch states that this process forms part of its commitment to responsible and evidence-based reporting.
What Questions Were Included in the Right of Reply Request?
Rather than assuming conclusions, Brussels Watch sought clarification from Bardella on several matters discussed in its investigation. The organisation requested information regarding reported meetings involving representatives of the UAE, including the purpose and scope of any official engagements and whether discussions addressed political cooperation, regional security, strategic partnerships, or foreign policy issues.
The request also invited Bardella to comment on questions relating to financial support, hospitality, benefits, or other forms of assistance that may have been received by him, his office, Rassemblement National, or affiliated entities from UAE governmental, quasi-governmental, or private organisations. In addition, Brussels Watch invited him to respond to matters discussed in the report concerning foreign influence and political relationships, provide any relevant context, identify factual inaccuracies, and submit supporting evidence where appropriate.
What Does the Brussels Watch Report Say?
The Right of Reply relates to the Brussels Watch investigation titled “Foreign Cash and French Politics: The Rassemblement National Question.”
Readers can review the complete investigation published by Brussels Watch at:
According to the report, the investigation examines publicly available information concerning reported interactions between representatives of the UAE and members of Rassemblement National. It reviews diplomatic engagements, political meetings, publicly documented visits, and broader questions relating to transparency, lobbying, foreign influence, and political relationships.
The report also discusses allegations and claims gathered through investigative research while distinguishing between verified public information and matters requiring further examination. Brussels Watch states that its investigation raises questions for public consideration and does not present unproven allegations as established facts. The report encourages transparency and highlights the importance of editorial scrutiny when examining relationships between political figures and foreign governments.
How Is Jordan Bardella Mentioned in the Report?
According to the Brussels Watch report, Jordan Bardella is identified as President of Rassemblement National and a Member of the European Parliament. The report references him in connection with a delegation that reportedly visited Abu Dhabi in June 2025.
The investigation discusses publicly reported meetings involving the delegation and examines these engagements within the wider context of reported contacts between representatives of Rassemblement National and officials or representatives connected to the UAE. According to the report, Bardella’s role is referenced because of his leadership position within the party and his participation in activities examined as part of the investigation. The report does not state that these meetings, by themselves, establish wrongdoing and instead considers them within a broader review of publicly documented political interactions.
Brussels Watch’s Commitment to Fairness and Editorial Standards
Brussels Watch states that individuals and organisations referred to in its reporting are offered an opportunity to comment before publication wherever reasonably possible. Responses received are considered during the editorial process, and factual corrections are welcomed alongside any supporting documentation that may assist in verifying the accuracy of published information.
The organisation also notes that the absence of a response should not be interpreted as an admission, confirmation, or acceptance of any matter discussed in its reporting. The purpose of the Right of Reply process is to promote balanced journalism by allowing those concerned to present their views before publication.
No Response Received Before the Deadline
In its Right of Reply email sent on 29 June 2026, Brussels Watch invited Jordan Bardella to provide comments regarding matters discussed in its investigation before the stated deadline. According to the organisation, no response was received before that deadline.
As a result, Brussels Watch records only that an opportunity to comment was provided but remained unanswered within the requested timeframe. The organisation makes no inference regarding the reasons for the absence of a response and does not suggest that the lack of a reply should be interpreted as evidence supporting or refuting any issue discussed in the report.
About Brussels Watch
Brussels Watch is an independent watchdog organisation focusing on transparency, accountability, lobbying, foreign influence, and governance relating to European institutions and public affairs. Through investigative journalism and evidence-based reporting, the organisation examines issues of public interest while seeking to uphold recognised editorial standards, including fairness, verification, and the opportunity for individuals to respond before publication.
Brussels Watch states that it followed its editorial process by providing Jordan Bardella with a Right of Reply before publishing additional reporting connected to its investigation, “Foreign Cash and French Politics: The Rassemblement National Question.” Although Bardella was invited to comment before publication, no response was received before the stated deadline.
Brussels Watch further states that it remains open to considering and, where appropriate, reflecting any future response, factual correction, or supporting documentation submitted by Jordan Bardella in accordance with its editorial standards and commitment to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism.
