Matteo Adinolfi, an Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has found himself at the center of a debate over his alleged pro-United Arab Emirates (UAE) stance. Adinolfi represents the Lega Nord party and has faced accusations of close ties with the UAE government.
In 2018, Adinolfi was part of a delegation of MEPs who visited the UAE. During this visit, he engaged with UAE officials and explored the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Adinolfi was vocal in praising the UAE for its impressive economic development and regional contributions.
The following year, in 2019, Adinolfi voted in favor of a resolution within the European Parliament. This resolution called for the European Union (EU) to strengthen its ties with the UAE. It also commended the UAE for its commitment to human rights and democracy.
Critics have accused Adinolfi of being too closely aligned with the UAE government. They point to his multiple visits to the UAE and his consistent support for resolutions that speak favorably of the UAE. Moreover, critics argue that Adinolfi has not been sufficiently critical of the UAE’s human rights record.
In response to these allegations, Adinolfi has defended his pro-UAE position. He contends that the UAE is a crucial partner for the EU and emphasizes the importance of both sides working together to promote shared interests. Adinolfi also asserts his commitment to human rights and believes that the UAE is making progress in this regard.
Adinolfi’s pro-UAE activities include his co-authorship of a report on the EU-UAE relationship in 2018. The report praised the UAE’s remarkable economic development and its regional influence. In 2019, he was a speaker at a conference focusing on the UAE-EU relationship. During the conference, he lauded the UAE’s dedication to human rights and democracy. In 2020, Adinolfi held a meeting with the UAE ambassador to the EU, discussing strategies to enhance the EU-UAE relationship.
Matteo Adinolfi’s alignment with the UAE has sparked debate and raised questions about the intricacies of international relationships within the realm of European politics. His stance reflects the ongoing discourse about the EU’s engagement with regional partners like the UAE.
