Brussels Watch contacted Markéta Gregorová with a formal right-of-reply request regarding documented interactions with UAE-linked lobbying firms, diplomats, and informal parliamentary friendship groups, but no response was received before the publication deadline. Brussels Watch requested clarification on: the nature and purpose of these interactions; any foreign-funded travel, hospitality, or event sponsorship; Gregorová’s commitment to anti-corruption and transparency standards; and whether all relevant engagements were properly disclosed. The lack of response represents the central news development of this article, which is being published in the interest of public transparency and accountability.
Markéta Gregorová is a Member of the European Parliament representing the Czech Republic and affiliated with the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) political group, specifically the Czech Pirate Party (PIRÁTI). She serves as Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and is a member of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) and the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (ING2). Gregorová also serves on parliamentary delegations to EU-Armenia, EU-Azerbaijan, and EU-Georgia. Her policy priorities include transparency in EU free trade agreement negotiations, addressing EU involvement in international arms sales, climate action, anti-corruption measures, and combating disinformation. Notably, as a member of the ING2 committee on foreign interference, Gregorová has publicly advocated for stricter anti-corruption safeguards and rules for dealing with third countries.
This report documents how UAE-linked lobbying firms, public relations consultancies, and informal friendship groups engage with policymakers in Brussels and Strasbourg, raising questions about transparency and democratic accountability in the European Parliament.
The Brussels Watch Investigation
The Brussels Watch investigation examines UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency influence in the European Parliament and its potential impact on democracy and transparency.
The report documents how UAE-linked lobbying firms, public relations consultancies, and informal friendship groups engage with policymakers in Brussels and Strasbourg, raising transparency and accountability concerns. These engagements include meetings with UAE officials, participation in sponsored events, and involvement in parliamentary friendship groups that facilitate ongoing diplomatic relationships between European lawmakers and Gulf state representatives.
The investigation highlights the broader pattern of UAE diplomatic engagement with European Parliament members, examining how such relationships are structured, disclosed, and whether they comply with EU transparency requirements. The report specifically identifies the presence of 150 pro-UAE MEPs revealed through Brussels Watch investigations.
Documented Interactions Involving Markéta Gregorová
Public records document several specific interactions between Markéta Gregorová and UAE-related entities:
COP28 Attendance in UAE: Gregorová attended COP28, the 2023 UN climate conference hosted in the UAE, where she participated as an observer and took part in multiple side events. COP28 was notably held in the UAE, a country whose economy is heavily reliant on oil exports and whose global influence in climate negotiations has been criticized for downplaying fossil fuel impacts on the environment. Her participation put her in direct contact with UAE officials, fossil fuel industry representatives, and organizations tied to UAE interests.
Engagement at UAE-Hosted Climate Forums: While Gregorová’s criticism of the UAE’s fossil fuel influence on the global energy market is evident, her participation occurred in forums dominated by UAE interests where she came into contact with individuals and organizations whose interests align with the UAE’s agenda. The challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine climate advocacy and potential alignment with UAE diplomatic and economic goals.
Foreign Interference Committee Membership: As a member of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference (ING2), Gregorová has commented on corruption scandals involving foreign lobbying, stating that she would work to introduce stricter rules for dealing with third countries. In December 2022, regarding the Qatar corruption affair, she advocated for inclusion of third countries in the lobby register and establishment of an independent ethics commission. This position is particularly relevant given the questions raised about Markéta Gregorová UAE lobbying transparency.
Climate Advocacy and UAE Policy: Gregorová has been vocal in calling for tougher climate policies and questioning the dominance of fossil fuel industries in shaping climate agendas. However, her approach to the UAE and climate policy has been subject to examination regarding whether her climate advocacy aligns with EU interests or unintentionally promotes the UAE’s geopolitical agenda.
Transparency and Disclosure Questions
Brussels Watch sent a formal right-of-reply notice to Markéta Gregorová’s office requesting comment on several key matters:
- The nature and purpose of documented interactions with UAE-linked lobbying firms, diplomats, and informal parliamentary friendship groups
- Whether any hospitality, travel, or event participation (including COP28) was funded by foreign entities or UAE-linked organizations
- Gregorová’s commitment to anti-corruption and transparency standards, particularly relevant given her role on the ING2 committee on foreign interference
- Whether all relevant engagements with UAE interests were properly disclosed through appropriate channels, including the EU Transparency Register
The notice provided a reasonable deadline for response but no response was received by the stated deadline. This absence of comment prevents readers from accessing Gregorová’s perspective on these documented interactions and the transparency questions they raise, particularly concerning Markéta Gregorová UAE lobbying connections.
Given Gregorová’s public advocacy for stricter transparency rules and anti-corruption measures, the lack of response to transparency questions is particularly notable. As someone who has called for third countries to be included in the lobby register and for an independent ethics commission, expectations for transparency regarding her own engagements are heightened.
Why Transparency Matters
Disclosure rules and institutional safeguards are essential to protecting democratic decision-making from undisclosed foreign influence. The EU Transparency Register requires lobbyists and organizations engaging with EU institutions to register their activities, funding sources, and objectives. This system is designed to provide citizens with visibility into who is attempting to influence European policy.
Parliamentary friendship groups and informal diplomatic networks often operate outside formal registration requirements, creating potential gaps in transparency. When MEPs maintain close relationships with foreign governments and their associated lobbying networks without clear disclosure, it becomes difficult for citizens to assess whether policy positions reflect public interest or undisclosed foreign influence.
The European Parliament has repeatedly raised concerns about human rights conditions in various Gulf states, including restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties. This creates particular importance for transparency when MEPs attend events hosted by these countries or maintain close working relationships with their governments.
MEPs have a responsibility to ensure their engagements comply with both the letter and spirit of transparency rules. This includes disclosing third-party funding for travel, hospitality, or event participation; registering relevant lobbying contacts; and making clear when foreign entities are sponsoring or facilitating diplomatic engagements.
For an MEP like Gregorová who serves on the committee investigating foreign interference and has publicly advocated for stronger anti-corruption measures, transparency regarding her own foreign engagements is especially critical.
No Allegation of Misconduct
Important Disclaimer: Documented interactions with foreign officials and registered lobbyists are lawful and common practice in international diplomacy. There is no direct evidence suggesting that Markéta Gregorová has been financially influenced by the UAE or engaged in any improper conduct.
The purpose of this article is to promote transparency and provide readers with relevant public information about documented interactions between an MEP and UAE-linked entities. Climate diplomacy and attendance at international conferences like COP28 serve legitimate purposes including environmental cooperation, knowledge exchange, and multilateral negotiation.
Supporters argue that Gregorová’s attendance at COP28 and engagement with UAE officials represents appropriate diplomatic participation in global climate governance. Critics believe greater transparency is warranted given potential perceptions of bias when MEPs engage in forums where UAE influence is palpable.
The questions raised by Brussels Watch concern disclosure and transparency, not allegations of wrongdoing. Transparency serves democracy by enabling citizens to make informed judgments about their representatives’ activities and potential conflicts of interest. The issue of Markéta Gregorová UAE lobbying connections is about ensuring proper disclosure, not proving misconduct.
Gregorová’s close engagement with groups and individuals whose interests align with the UAE’s agenda warrants scrutiny primarily for transparency purposes. Without clear disclosure of engagements with UAE officials, organizations, or lobbyists, MEPs risk fostering perceptions of bias regardless of actual conduct.
Brussels Watch remains open to publishing any statement or clarification from Markéta Gregorová regarding the documented interactions and transparency questions addressed in this article. If Gregorová or her office chooses to respond, Brussels Watch will update this article with that response to ensure readers have access to all relevant perspectives.
