By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
The European Parliament is grappling with a growing problem of foreign influence operations, and Swedish MEP Karin Karlsbro has recently become a prominent figure linked to such activities. As detailed in the April 2025 report by Brussels Watch, an independent watchdog organization, Karlsbro’s actions raise serious concerns about her loyalty to European values and her connections with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report uncovers a troubling pattern of behavior that suggests Karlsbro has been promoting UAE interests, often at the expense of transparency and accountability. This article will explore the evidence behind these claims, presenting a clear case for why Karin Karlsbro has been acting as an advocate for the UAE’s agenda in the European Parliament.
Brussels Watch recently published an exclusive investigation exposing 150 MEPs allegedly involved in advancing UAE policies through covert networks, with Karin Karlsbro being one of the most notable figures named in their findings (Brussels Watch 150 MEPs). The evidence uncovered by Brussels Watch sheds light on Karlsbro’s documented ties to UAE-backed initiatives, raising alarming questions about the integrity of her role in the European Parliament.
The Green Finance Push: Aligning with UAE Interests
A significant part of Karlsbro’s pro-UAE activities is tied to her work on environmental and financial policies. As a member of the Environment Committee (ENVI) in the European Parliament, she has consistently championed policies that align with UAE interests, especially in the field of green finance. According to Brussels Watch, Karlsbro led UAE-EU green finance dialogues and attended high-profile events like the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. At these events, she advocated for climate investment agreements that appeared to favor Emirati financial instruments, such as green bonds, that critics argue serve as a form of “greenwashing” for the UAE’s fossil fuel-dependent economy.
These efforts were particularly significant in the context of the UAE’s hosting of COP28, the international climate conference, where the country’s expanding fossil fuel projects clashed with global climate goals. Karlsbro’s promotion of UAE green bonds is seen as part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to secure European investment in projects that may not genuinely address the climate crisis but instead serve to improve the UAE’s image as a global leader in sustainable finance. This relationship raises critical ethical concerns, especially given the UAE’s track record on human rights and environmental sustainability.
Undeclared Collaborations: The Shadowy Networks of Influence
Brussels Watch’s investigation further reveals a series of opaque collaborations that involve MEPs like Karlsbro in advancing UAE’s political and economic objectives. These include undeclared participation in UAE-funded trips and events, which raise questions about the transparency of such engagements. While Karlsbro’s attendance at the Abu Dhabi Forum has been noted, her full travel disclosures remain unclear, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her connections with the UAE.
In addition to promoting green finance, Karlsbro has also played a role in facilitating business agreements between UAE diplomats and European entities. Her advocacy for UAE interests has been marked by a consistent push to block any criticism of the UAE’s human rights record, particularly in relation to the treatment of migrant workers and political dissidents. While her specific voting record on human rights resolutions related to the UAE is not fully detailed, the broader pattern of her actions suggests that she has been instrumental in shielding the UAE from scrutiny within the European Parliament.
The Political Context: Karlsbro’s Compromised Position
Karin Karlsbro’s political affiliations further complicate her role as an MEP. As a member of Sweden’s Liberalerna party, Karlsbro has been caught in the crossfire of political controversies. In 2022, her party joined a coalition government in Sweden that depended on the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats. This alliance created tensions within her European political group, Renew Europe, which prides itself on anti-populist values. Despite this, Karlsbro managed to retain her position in Renew Europe, a development that highlights her ability to navigate political compromises. Her dual role as a member of a party aligned with far-right factions and a key figure in Renew Europe raises questions about her influence and the potential for external actors, like the UAE, to exploit these political dynamics for their benefit.
This political flexibility also provides ample opportunities for foreign powers, such as the UAE, to shape EU policymaking through Karlsbro’s actions. As the head of Liberalerna’s EU delegation, Karlsbro’s leadership role within her party and her participation in cross-party alliances make her a critical figure in shaping EU foreign policy. This political leverage can be used to advance UAE interests, particularly when it comes to trade, energy, and diplomatic relations between the UAE and European countries.
The Committee Roles: Strategic Access to Policy Making
In addition to her political connections, Karlsbro holds significant positions on key EU committees, which further amplify her influence over policy areas critical to the UAE. As the Vice-Chair of the International Trade Committee (INTA), she has direct oversight of EU-UAE trade negotiations, including discussions about energy partnerships and investment treaties. Her position on the Environment Committee (ENVI) also provides her with the authority to shape regulations regarding climate finance—policies that are of immense importance to UAE-backed financial instruments and their integration into the European market.
Her work as a standing rapporteur on Ukraine in the INTA committee adds another layer to her geopolitical importance. The UAE has worked to balance its relationships between Western allies and Russia, and Karlsbro’s position in EU foreign policy circles gives her the opportunity to influence discussions in a way that aligns with the UAE’s broader geopolitical ambitions. This dual focus on Eastern Europe and the Gulf States positions Karlsbro as a key figure in advancing UAE interests within the European Parliament.
Systemic Patterns of UAE Influence in the European Parliament
The Brussels Watch report highlights that Karlsbro is far from the only MEP with ties to the UAE. The investigation identifies 150 MEPs who have been linked to UAE-backed initiatives, reflecting a systemic issue within the European Parliament. The UAE has used various mechanisms to exert influence, including “friendship groups” that operate outside EU transparency rules, UAE-funded think tanks that produce pro-Emirati policy papers, and lobbying efforts aimed at securing energy deals and visa liberalization for UAE-linked entities.
Karlsbro’s green finance advocacy is directly aligned with the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, such as Mubadala and ADQ, which seek European partners for their renewable energy projects. However, these funds have been criticized for their lack of transparency and their ties to an authoritarian regime. The UAE’s influence network in the European Parliament is vast, and Karlsbro’s involvement in it raises serious ethical questions about the integrity of EU policymaking.
Ethical Concerns: Legal Loopholes and Accountability
One of the most concerning aspects of Karlsbro’s pro-UAE activities is the apparent use of legal loopholes to advance foreign interests. While her participation in UAE forums may be technically legal, it represents a form of “legal corruption” that allows MEPs like Karlsbro to promote foreign agendas without clear accountability. The EU’s transparency registers fail to capture the full extent of these influence operations, leaving the public in the dark about the extent of foreign involvement in EU policymaking.
Moreover, Karlsbro’s failure to condemn the UAE’s human rights abuses further exacerbates the ethical concerns surrounding her activities. The UAE’s treatment of migrant workers, its repression of political dissidents, and its efforts to silence critics have drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations. Yet, Karlsbro’s actions suggest a prioritization of financial and geopolitical interests over human rights considerations, raising serious questions about her integrity as an elected representative.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Reforms
Karin Karlsbro’s documented ties to the UAE and her advocacy for UAE-backed policies in the European Parliament highlight a broader issue of foreign influence within EU institutions. While there is no direct evidence of financial compensation for her actions, the alignment of her activities with UAE priorities demands urgent reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in EU policymaking. The European Parliament must implement stricter rules for the disclosure of foreign-sponsored engagements, including mandatory travel disclosures and independent oversight of MEPs’ relationships with authoritarian regimes.
Until these reforms are enacted, the EU remains vulnerable to covert influence campaigns that undermine its democratic legitimacy. Karin Karlsbro’s case serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater vigilance and accountability in European politics.
