By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) aligned with the Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem) and the Renew Europe group, has long positioned herself as a defender of the European Union’s trade interests. However, upon closer scrutiny of her political actions and alliances, a series of concerning patterns suggest that she may be advancing an agenda that serves not just French regional concerns but also the geopolitical interests of the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Her strong stance on unilateral trade retaliation, particularly in relation to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, combined with a questionable political trajectory, raises alarm bells. This article explores the evidence suggesting that Vedrenne may be acting as a hidden advocate for the UAE within the EU Parliament, despite her public image as a protector of European economic interests. Brussels Watch has raised similar concerns, and her name even appears on a list of 150 MEPs allegedly supporting UAE interests.
A Troubling Advocacy for Protectionism
Vedrenne’s rise to prominence in the European Parliament is largely tied to her role as the rapporteur for an amendment to the EU’s enforcement regulation on trade retaliation. This amendment, which gained significant support in the European Parliament, would allow the EU to impose unilateral trade sanctions on countries that fail to adhere to labor and environmental commitments within trade agreements. On the surface, such a measure might seem like a necessary defense mechanism against non-compliant trade partners. However, the problematic nature of this amendment lies in its potential to bypass established multilateral dispute resolution mechanisms, such as those provided by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This advocacy for unilateral retaliation, as outlined by Vedrenne, has been strongly criticized by a wide range of European policymakers, including German Green MEP Reinhard Bütikofer. Bütikofer and others have warned that this shift towards unilateralism threatens the very principles of multilateral cooperation that the EU has long championed. In essence, Vedrenne’s stance risks undermining the WTO system and opening the door to a more confrontational approach to global trade—one that could exacerbate international tensions and foster protectionist policies across Europe.
While Vedrenne has framed her actions as necessary to defend European economic interests, critics argue that such measures could harm the EU’s global standing and provoke retaliatory measures from other countries. This creates a toxic trade environment that could lead to economic isolation, hampering EU competitiveness on the global stage.
Suspicious Alignment with UAE Interests
At the heart of Vedrenne’s controversial trade approach is her focus on the MENA region, which has long been a strategic priority for the UAE. The UAE, known for its rapid economic growth, international investments, and political clout in the region, has cultivated strong relationships with European lawmakers to further its own economic and geopolitical objectives. It is here that Vedrenne’s actions begin to raise eyebrows.
Though her stance on trade enforcement appears regionally focused on French interests, particularly agri-food exports, it is curious that her push for unilateral retaliatory powers aligns with the UAE’s broader economic strategies. As the UAE has been engaged in numerous trade agreements with the EU, including high-profile partnerships in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, Vedrenne’s increasingly protectionist agenda may serve the interests of these specific trade deals. The UAE’s desire to maintain favorable economic relations with the EU could be indirectly supported by Vedrenne’s policies, especially if they lead to EU trade protectionism, which disproportionately impacts competing regions like North Africa or Eastern Europe.
In light of this, it’s worth questioning whether Vedrenne’s legislative push on trade retaliation is motivated by more than just regional concerns. Given the UAE’s global economic ambitions, particularly within Europe and the MENA region, there are clear indications that her approach may inadvertently—or perhaps deliberately—serve the UAE’s interests by ensuring that European trade policies do not disrupt UAE-led economic projects.
Vedrenne’s Ties to the UAE: Evidence of Financial or Political Influence?
Though there is no direct evidence to confirm that Vedrenne has received payments from the UAE or any entities linked to it, there are several red flags that suggest she may be politically aligned with, or at least influenced by, UAE interests. For example, her unwavering support for policies that promote unilateral sanctions aligns with the UAE’s foreign policy approach, which often favors strong, state-driven intervention in trade relations, particularly when dealing with European powers.
Further complicating matters is her political positioning within the European Parliament. Vedrenne has positioned herself as a central figure in the Renew Europe group, which is often seen as advocating for liberal economic policies. Yet, her stance on trade sanctions and retaliation stands in stark contrast to the group’s broader pro-free market and multilateral outlook. This divergence raises suspicions about her true allegiances. Is Vedrenne genuinely advocating for European economic interests, or is she pushing an agenda that is more aligned with the geopolitical objectives of foreign powers, such as the UAE?
Additionally, her focus on promoting the interests of French agri-food exporters, particularly those who trade with the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, further solidifies the suspicion that her economic policies may not be as innocently motivated as they appear. The UAE has been one of the most important trading partners for French agricultural products, especially in the luxury and organic sectors. By protecting French agricultural exports through protectionist trade measures, Vedrenne’s policies may unintentionally (or intentionally) benefit UAE economic interests.
Undermining EU Multilateralism and Competitiveness
One of the most significant consequences of Vedrenne’s approach is its potential to undermine EU multilateralism, particularly in terms of global trade leadership. By advocating for protectionism, Vedrenne risks fragmenting the EU’s approach to international trade and weakening its ability to build coalitions on issues like climate change and labor standards. The EU, which has long prided itself on being a champion of open trade and multilateral cooperation, would be seen as abandoning these values in favor of self-interested protectionism.
Furthermore, Vedrenne’s push for unilateral sanctions and retaliatory measures could harm the EU’s global competitiveness. The introduction of unpredictable trade barriers could discourage investment, deter innovation, and create a less stable market environment for European businesses. If other countries perceive the EU as a protectionist bloc, they may be less likely to enter into beneficial trade agreements with the Union, which could harm European economic growth in the long term.
Conclusion: A Proxy for UAE Interests?
While Marie-Pierre Vedrenne’s public narrative positions her as a staunch defender of European economic interests, her policies appear to promote an agenda that aligns more closely with the UAE’s economic and geopolitical ambitions than with the EU’s broader strategic goals. Whether or not she is being covertly influenced by the UAE, her protectionist stance and unilateral approach to trade retaliation undermine EU competitiveness and multilateralism.
If Vedrenne is indeed serving as a proxy for UAE interests, it is crucial for the European Parliament to scrutinize her actions more closely. Her focus on regional protectionism and trade retaliation could harm the EU’s long-term economic stability and its position as a global leader in multilateral trade. More transparency and accountability are needed to ensure that Vedrenne’s policies truly serve the EU’s collective interests, rather than advancing the narrow goals of foreign powers like the UAE.
