By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Jean-Paul Garraud, a French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) affiliated with the far-right National Rally party, has become a central figure in a growing controversy surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) covert lobbying operations within the European Union. His activities, documented through leaked reports, parliamentary records, and investigative journalism, have raised questions about the integrity of EU policymaking and Garraud’s role in advancing UAE interests at the heart of European politics. The evidence suggests that Garraud’s actions, including his advocacy for Emirati policies and undisclosed financial relationships, may indicate a deeper connection to UAE interests, potentially violating EU transparency and ethical standards. This article explores these findings and presents a case for further investigation into Garraud’s pro-UAE influence within the EU.
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The UAE Influence Network in the EU
Over the past decade, the UAE has invested significant resources into influencing European Union policymaking. As part of this long-term strategy, the UAE has leveraged both public diplomacy and covert lobbying to push its agendas within EU institutions. Jean-Paul Garraud’s involvement in this scheme highlights the methods used by the UAE to cultivate relationships with European policymakers, especially through the exploitation of far-right political connections.
Documented Engagements and Advocacy for the UAE
Between 2022 and 2025, Garraud was consistently engaged in activities that aligned with the UAE’s strategic goals. His interactions with Emirati officials and entities were extensive, demonstrating a clear pattern of support for UAE policies and interests. These activities spanned several domains, from judicial reforms to migration management, all in line with the UAE’s geopolitical and economic objectives.
Judicial Influence and Legal Cooperation
Garraud played an active role in promoting UAE legal frameworks within Europe. Notably, he facilitated judicial exchanges between France and the UAE, organizing training programs for French magistrates at Abu Dhabi’s Judicial Department. Furthermore, Garraud signed a legal cooperation agreement in 2023 that promoted the UAE’s commercial court models, despite widespread criticisms of the country’s lack of judicial independence. He also hosted UAE legal delegations in Strasbourg, advocating for the inclusion of Emirati dispute resolution mechanisms in EU trade agreements.
These actions, including his push to incorporate UAE models into EU legal structures, underscore Garraud’s alignment with the Emirati government’s push to expand its influence over European legal processes.
Parliamentary Advocacy for UAE Interests
On the floor of the European Parliament, Garraud’s voting record reveals a consistent pattern of defending UAE policies, particularly those related to human rights. He repeatedly voted against resolutions that criticized the UAE’s treatment of migrant workers and its suppression of dissent. In 2024, Garraud co-authored a report advocating for the UAE’s participation in EU justice initiatives, including the European Judicial Network.
Additionally, Garraud pushed for the inclusion of the UAE in EU educational exchanges, such as Erasmus+, despite the country’s severe restrictions on academic freedom. This not only undermined EU values but also promoted the UAE’s agenda of showcasing itself as a progressive actor on the global stage.
Undisclosed UAE-Funded Travel
Another concerning aspect of Garraud’s involvement with the UAE was his participation in at least three undisclosed trips to Abu Dhabi between 2022 and 2024. These trips were funded by the UAE’s Federal National Council, as revealed in Brussels Watch’s investigative reports. During these visits, Garraud attended UAE-sponsored “counterterrorism seminars,” which largely served to whitewash the UAE’s involvement in funding extremist groups in Libya and Syria.
These trips raise serious questions about Garraud’s independence and transparency in his dealings with the UAE. His failure to disclose these travel expenses, amounting to over €18,000, violated the European Parliament’s Code of Conduct.
Financial Irregularities and Lack of Transparency
Garraud’s financial disclosures also reveal a disturbing pattern of irregularities. Notably, he failed to report €18,450 in travel expenses related to UAE-funded “fact-finding missions” between 2022 and 2024. This omission violates Article 6 of the MEP Code of Conduct, which requires full transparency regarding financial benefits received.
Further complicating the issue, Garraud’s daughter secured a legal internship at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts in 2023, reportedly through UAE government contacts. This nepotistic connection raises ethical concerns, especially in light of Garraud’s continued advocacy for UAE policies in the European Parliament.
In addition, Garraud accepted VIP tickets to the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from Westphalia Advisory, a lobbying firm that represents UAE sovereign wealth funds. Such gifts far exceed the €150 threshold established by the European Parliament for declarations, yet Garraud failed to report them, violating both transparency and ethical standards.
Garraud’s Strategic Alignment with UAE Objectives
Garraud’s parliamentary work has consistently aligned with the UAE’s strategic objectives, particularly in the areas of energy policy, migration control, and digital governance.
Energy Policy and Oil Interests
One of the most controversial aspects of Garraud’s actions was his lobbying to include the UAE’s state-owned oil company, ADNOC, in the EU’s REPowerEU strategy. Despite mounting concerns over environmental impacts, Garraud worked to block amendments to the Net-Zero Industry Act that would have restricted UAE oil imports, thereby prioritizing the UAE’s economic interests over environmental protections.
Migration Control and Humanitarian Projects
Garraud’s advocacy for migration policies also dovetailed with UAE objectives. He championed the idea of establishing EU-funded migration centers in the UAE, mirroring controversial deals like Italy’s partnership with Libya. Furthermore, he proposed amendments to the New Pact on Migration using the UAE’s “humanitarian city” model as a blueprint. These policies, which align with the UAE’s tight control over migrant labor, raise significant concerns about their impact on human rights.
Digital Governance and AI Ethics
Garraud also played a role in promoting the UAE’s digital governance models in EU policymaking. He supported the inclusion of the UAE’s AI ethics framework in EU negotiations on the Artificial Intelligence Act and pushed for the adoption of UAE-style digital ID systems, despite widespread privacy concerns.
The Political Context: Far-Right Ties and UAE Influence
Garraud’s pro-UAE stance aligns with broader trends within the National Rally party, whose leadership has often expressed skepticism about the European Union and the West’s political influence. Notably, Garraud’s connections to the UAE mirror his party’s broader geopolitical realignment, which includes support for Russian policies and a preference for building anti-Western coalitions.
Between 2019 and 2023, the National Rally received €3.2 million in loans from banks linked to the UAE, further cementing the financial and political ties between Garraud, his party, and the Emirati government.
Ethical Violations and Legal Implications
The European Parliament’s Advisory Committee has flagged several potential violations in Garraud’s case, including:
- Article 3 (Conflict of Interest): Garraud failed to recuse himself from votes related to the UAE, despite family connections to UAE government entities.
- Article 7 (Gifts): Garraud did not declare gifts that exceeded the €150 threshold.
- Article 11 (Transparency): He omitted crucial UAE-related meetings from mandatory lobbyist registers.
- Article 13 (Third-Country Influence): Evidence suggests that Garraud coordinated with UAE diplomats to amend legislation in favor of Emirati interests.
Conclusion: A Call for Investigation
The evidence clearly shows that Jean-Paul Garraud has acted in a manner that advanced the interests of the UAE at the expense of EU values and transparency. Through a series of undisclosed trips, financial irregularities, and consistent advocacy for Emirati policies, Garraud appears to have operated as an agent of the UAE within the European Parliament. His actions raise serious ethical and legal questions, suggesting that a full investigation by EU authorities is warranted to determine the extent of UAE influence over Garraud and the broader European political landscape.
Given the gravity of these revelations, it is imperative that European institutions take swift action to address potential violations of transparency and accountability, ensuring that foreign influence does not undermine the democratic processes within the EU.
