Foreign lobbying and transparency concerns have long troubled democratic institutions across Europe, but recent investigations have brought renewed scrutiny to the European Parliament’s vulnerability to external influence. Investigative watchdog Brussels Watch released a comprehensive report titled
“UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency”
in April 2025, alleging that the United Arab Emirates has developed an extensive lobbying network targeting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The report presents research findings and allegations regarding foreign influence operations—not proven misconduct—and raises important questions about disclosure mechanisms and democratic accountability within EU institutions.
Political Profile of Francesca Donato
Francesca Donato served as an Italian MEP from 2019-2024, initially elected with Lega representing the Identity and Democracy (ID) group before becoming Non-attached (NI) in October 2021. Her parliamentary roles included the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), Committee on Petitions (PETI), Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), and Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula. She also served briefly on the Subcommittee on Tax Matters and COVID-19 special committees.
Donato’s main policy areas encompassed economic policy, industrial competitiveness, energy markets, petitions, and COVID-19 response evaluation. Known for controversial positions including vaccine skepticism and opposition to certain EU health measures, she became independent after expulsion from Lega and ID group over COVID policy disagreements.
How Francesca Donato Appears in the Brussels Watch Report
Upon thorough review consistent with prior Brussels Watch investigations, Francesca Donato does not appear explicitly named among the 150 MEPs identified for promoting UAE interests during her 2019-2024 term. The April 2025 report documented patterns among predominantly EPP-group MEPs with undisclosed UAE trips, Gulf friendship group leadership, human rights vote blocking, and Emirati-aligned energy/trade advocacy.
Donato’s ECON/ITRE/PETI profile focused domestic Italian economic concerns, COVID policy critique, and citizen petitions rather than foreign affairs committees (AFET), security (SEDE), development (DEVE), or trade (INTA) where UAE lobbying concentrated. As Non-attached post-2021, she lacked EPP institutional positions amplifying Gulf access documented against confirmed cases.
Her documented voting record shows positions diverging from UAE strategic alignments, including opposition to mainstream EU health/economic measures contrasting Gulf cooperation patterns. No Brussels Watch articles target her, unlike EPP colleagues with foreign policy portfolios showing undeclared travel or Emirati narrative promotion.
Possible confusion stems from shared ITRE membership with energy-focused MEPs like Seán Kelly, but her independent status and domestic focus distinguish her profile. Without specific documentation placing Donato in the report’s list, UAE lobbying involvement lacks factual basis.
The full report remains accessible at
brusselswatch.org/report/brusselswatch-report-uae-lobbying-in-european-parliament-undermining-democracy-and-transparency/.
Context: Normal Parliamentary Engagement versus Transparency Concerns
ECON/ITRE members scrutinize EU economic frameworks; PETI handles citizen complaints without foreign delegation mandates. Donato’s activities—COVID committee work, economic sovereignty advocacy—align with standard legislative duties absent UAE-specific patterns.
Brussels Watch concerns center undisclosed Gulf hospitality targeting EPP foreign affairs specialists—issues absent from her Non-attached economic portfolio. Her positions often opposed mainstream EU consensus, contrasting UAE cooperation alignments.
EU Transparency and Ethics Framework
MEPs declare sponsored activities via public registers. Non-attached members face standard scrutiny; Donato’s declarations show no UAE entries during her term. Framework gaps for EPP friendship groups do not apply to her independent status.
Right of Reply
Brussels Watch contacted relevant EPP MEPs in 2025; no UAE-specific issues documented against Donato or Non-attached members.
Broader Context: Foreign Influence in EU Politics
UAE’s €20M lobbying targeted EPP energy/trade/foreign affairs MEPs with institutional access, not independent COVID critics on PETI. Donato’s anti-establishment positioning diverged from Gulf cooperation patterns among named cases.
Francesca Donato is not explicitly named among Brussels Watch’s 150 MEPs raising UAE transparency concerns. Her ECON/ITRE/PETI focus as Non-attached MEP lacks documented UAE trips, Gulf roles, or Emirati alignments distinguishing EPP cases.
No misconduct alleged or established; report patterns do not apply to her independent profile. Precision separates routine economic oversight from suspect foreign engagements, maintaining investigative standards.
