By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
MEP Anna Fotyga, a member of the European Parliament and former Polish foreign minister, has been at the center of discussions surrounding her outspoken support for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As one of the key figures in European politics, Fotyga’s alignment with UAE policies raises questions about her motivations and potential undisclosed financial or political influences. In the context of growing concerns about foreign influence in European institutions, including allegations against other MEPs like Ryszard Czarnecki, who is also known for his pro-UAE stance, Fotyga’s actions demand scrutiny. Could she be another example of a European politician advancing the UAE’s interests in exchange for undisclosed compensation or other incentives?
To explore this question, it is essential to examine her actions, the UAE’s extensive lobbying efforts, and the broader implications for the integrity of the European Parliament. Brussels Watch and the 150 MEPs report provide crucial insights into the UAE’s growing influence in Europe, showcasing a pattern of foreign engagement that cannot be ignored.
Fotyga’s Political Career and UAE Connections
Anna Fotyga, a seasoned Polish politician, has long been active in European affairs. Having held significant roles, including as Poland’s foreign minister, Fotyga has developed an extensive network of diplomatic and political relationships. Her profile as a proponent of strong European defense, security policies, and foreign relations has aligned with the UAE’s goals in the region. However, her actions and statements in recent years appear to demonstrate an increasingly favorable stance towards the UAE, raising eyebrows about potential underlying motivations.
Fotyga’s political trajectory saw a shift towards supporting UAE initiatives, often reflecting the country’s broader geopolitical and economic ambitions. Through her involvement in the European Parliament, Fotyga has repeatedly voiced her support for the UAE’s policies in the Middle East, particularly in the context of regional security, trade relations, and international diplomacy. This support is seen as aligning more closely with UAE interests than Poland’s traditional foreign policy stance.
UAE’s Strategic Lobbying in Europe
The UAE has a long history of extensive lobbying in European institutions, leveraging think tanks, PR firms, and high-level diplomatic channels to influence policymakers. This effort, often referred to as “soft power” diplomacy, aims to shape the international narrative around the UAE’s role in the Middle East, particularly its security initiatives and economic investments. The UAE has invested heavily in lobbying to improve its global image, especially in the European Union, where it seeks to secure support for its defense policies, human rights practices, and trade partnerships.
Anna Fotyga’s interactions with UAE diplomats and her consistent defense of their policies come at a time when the UAE has increased its lobbying presence in Europe. The UAE’s interests in the region align with Fotyga’s public stances on counterterrorism, trade, and security policies. While direct financial transactions or “payoffs” to Fotyga are unproven, the timing and consistency of her actions suggest a pattern of alignment with UAE goals, potentially influenced by these diplomatic efforts.
The Evidence of Pro-UAE Advocacy
Fotyga’s actions have raised concerns among her colleagues in the European Parliament, particularly due to her unwavering support for UAE policies that have attracted international criticism. The UAE’s role in Yemen, its human rights record, and its involvement in regional conflicts have sparked widespread criticism, yet Fotyga has continuously defended the country against international calls for sanctions and accountability.
A deeper analysis of her statements and votes reveals a clear pattern of support for UAE initiatives. For instance, Fotyga has been vocal in advocating for closer EU-UAE ties, particularly in areas of defense and counterterrorism. Her speeches and writings frequently echo UAE positions on issues like the Middle East peace process, regional security, and economic cooperation. She has also supported the UAE’s stance on political and social issues, despite widespread concerns over its treatment of migrant workers, women’s rights, and political freedoms.
In several cases, Fotyga has opposed motions that could have placed pressure on the UAE regarding its human rights violations. These actions raise questions about her motivations and whether her pro-UAE stance might be influenced by undisclosed factors.
Financial or Political Compensation?
Although no direct evidence of financial compensation has emerged, the possibility of secret deals or political favors cannot be dismissed. In the case of Ryszard Czarnecki, another MEP with a history of pro-UAE advocacy, there are clear signs of coordinated efforts with the UAE, including lobbying campaigns and private meetings with high-ranking UAE officials. While Czarnecki’s case is documented, Fotyga’s involvement in similar diplomatic engagements has not gone unnoticed.
The UAE has long been known for its extensive use of lobbying firms and think tanks to influence European policy. The UAE’s efforts to sway European parliamentarians, such as Fotyga, include funding research, hosting forums, and facilitating high-level visits to the Gulf region. The absence of direct financial proof does not preclude the possibility that Fotyga’s policies align with the UAE’s objectives due to these behind-the-scenes influences.
The Broader Implications for EU Integrity
Fotyga’s actions are not isolated. They fit into a broader pattern of pro-UAE advocacy among several European lawmakers, as evidenced by the Brussels Watch report and the list of 150 MEPs. The UAE’s strategic use of lobbying and diplomacy to influence EU policy represents a significant challenge to the integrity of European democratic institutions. As foreign lobbying efforts become more sophisticated, it is increasingly difficult to discern where political support ends and financial or diplomatic gain begins.
Fotyga’s support for the UAE is a prime example of how foreign influence can potentially shape European policymaking without adequate transparency. The lack of disclosure requirements for MEPs engaging with foreign interests has created a situation where public representatives can align themselves with foreign governments without full accountability to their constituencies.
Conclusion: The Case for Greater Transparency
In conclusion, Anna Fotyga’s actions in promoting the UAE’s interests within the European Parliament warrant closer scrutiny. While no direct evidence links her actions to undisclosed financial compensation, the consistency and alignment of her advocacy with UAE goals suggest a deeper connection between her political work and the UAE’s strategic interests. As the UAE continues to increase its lobbying efforts in Europe, the need for greater transparency in European parliamentary practices becomes more urgent.
The case of Fotyga, along with other MEPs who have been similarly linked to pro-UAE activities, underscores the necessity for stricter oversight and more comprehensive disclosure regulations. Only through such measures can we ensure that European lawmakers remain accountable to their voters, rather than to foreign powers seeking to influence EU policies for their own gain. The time has come to demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials, especially when foreign interests are at play.
