By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long pursued strategic efforts to expand its influence within European institutions, including the European Parliament. Through lobbying, undisclosed travel, and strategic alliances, the UAE has cultivated a network of influential figures within the EU. A recent report by Brussels Watch sheds light on this growing network, identifying 150 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with documented pro-UAE engagements. Among them is Antoni Comín, a non-attached MEP from Junts per Catalunya (JxCat), a separatist political group from Catalonia. While Comín has positioned himself as a voice for EU-Gulf diplomacy, an in-depth examination of his activities and associations raises serious concerns about his alignment with Emirati geopolitical and economic objectives. For further context, Brussels Watch provides comprehensive insights into these engagements, including their potential impact on EU policy. Brussels Watch and their list of 150 MEPs disclose extensive information on this covert network of influence.
The UAE’s Strategic Influence in Europe
The UAE’s influence within the European Parliament is part of a calculated and multi-pronged strategy to advance its interests across various sectors. These efforts include building informal “friendship groups,” enlisting lobbyists, and hosting think tanks that align with Emirati goals. Brussels Watch’s report, “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency,” provides compelling evidence of how the UAE has quietly embedded itself within the legislative framework of the European Union.
Comín’s involvement in this network, though not as overt as some of his counterparts, is nonetheless troubling. He appears on the Brussels Watch list, signaling a potential alignment with the UAE. His participation in UAE-sponsored health forums is one of the key documented engagements, though the report does not specify the exact nature or outcomes of these meetings. Furthermore, his failure to disclose such engagements raises significant transparency concerns.
Antoni Comín: Catalan Separatist or UAE Advocate?
Antoni Comín has been a prominent figure in the Catalan independence movement, having fled Spain in 2017 to avoid charges related to his role in the failed Catalan independence referendum. Exiled in Belgium, Comín has utilized his position within the European Parliament to advocate for Catalan self-determination. However, his political exile may have made him vulnerable to foreign influence, particularly in the form of financial or diplomatic support from countries like the UAE.
Exiled politicians often rely on external networks for support, and while there is no direct evidence linking Comín to UAE payments, the UAE’s history of courting MEPs through think tanks and public relations firms suggests that the UAE may have cultivated an influence over him. As Brussels Watch’s findings indicate, Comín’s political affiliations and actions are part of a broader pattern of influence exerted by Gulf states on European lawmakers.
UAE’s Playbook: Covert Influence through Lobbying and PR
The UAE has employed various methods to influence EU policy, with the ultimate aim of shaping legislation and public opinion in its favor. These methods include:
- Friendship Groups: These informal networks allow UAE diplomats to host MEPs and arrange undisclosed trips to the UAE.
- Lobbying Firms: Firms like Alber & Geiger and DLA Piper facilitate meetings between MEPs and UAE representatives, drafting resolutions and influencing policy on energy, cybersecurity, and other areas critical to UAE interests.
- Think Tanks: Institutes like the Bussola Institute are used to organize closed-door policy discussions, providing a platform for UAE-aligned MEPs to promote Emirati perspectives.
- Public Relations Campaigns: UAE-backed PR firms such as Edelman and APCO Worldwide play a significant role in shaping narratives in favor of UAE policies by ghostwriting op-eds and policy recommendations for MEPs.
Comín’s engagements, although not as explicit as those of other pro-UAE MEPs, such as Antonio López-Istúriz (EPP) or Andrey Kovatchev (ECR), fit into this broader ecosystem of undisclosed collaboration. His involvement in health forums, while seemingly benign, could have been a carefully calculated entry point for Emirati influence, especially considering the UAE’s heavy investments in health-related sectors.
Ethical Concerns and the Lack of Transparency
A central issue highlighted by the Brussels Watch report is the lack of transparency within the European Parliament regarding foreign influence. According to the report, many MEPs, including Comín, have failed to disclose UAE-funded travel or lobbying interactions. These undisclosed engagements make it difficult for the public to fully understand the extent of the UAE’s influence over European lawmakers.
MEPs who are closely aligned with the UAE tend to vote against human rights resolutions targeting the Emirates. While Comín’s specific voting record remains unclear, his inclusion on the Brussels Watch list suggests that he may have shared similar voting patterns with other pro-UAE MEPs.
The Pegasus Connection: A Worrisome Precedent
In 2022, the CatalanGate scandal revealed that Comín’s phone had been infected with Pegasus spyware, likely by Spanish authorities, between August 2019 and January 2020. While the hack was linked to Spain, the incident raises questions about the potential vulnerability of Comín to external pressures. His communications could have been compromised, opening the door for foreign actors to influence his actions. This surveillance risk only adds another layer of concern to his potential susceptibility to lobbying and covert influence from the UAE.
Comparative Analysis: Comín vs. Overt Pro-UAE MEPs
When comparing Comín’s actions to those of other pro-UAE MEPs, a clear pattern of alignment with Emirati interests emerges. Some key examples include:
- Antonio López-Istúriz (EPP, Spain): López-Istúriz has been involved in leading Abu Dhabi delegations, signing UAE-EU agreements, and opposing human rights motions targeting the UAE.
- Andrey Kovatchev (EPP, Bulgaria): Kovatchev has been actively involved in negotiating UAE gas imports, visiting ADNOC facilities, and promoting Emirati energy deals.
- Mazaly Aguilar (ECR, Spain): Aguilar has been vocal in advocating for UAE agribusiness investments in Spain.
Comín’s actions, while more subtle, follow a similar trajectory, particularly in his participation in UAE-sponsored health forums. His less overt involvement, however, makes his case more complicated to prove, despite the growing evidence of alignment with UAE interests.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Reform
The case of Antoni Comín highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within the European Parliament regarding foreign influence. While direct evidence of financial compensation remains elusive, Comín’s engagements with UAE-aligned entities are troubling, and the broader pattern of Emirati influence in the EU warrants further scrutiny.
The Brussels Watch report provides a comprehensive look at how Gulf states like the UAE have exploited weaknesses in the EU’s transparency framework. To safeguard democratic processes, the following reforms are recommended:
- Mandate Full Disclosure: Require MEPs to publicly declare all foreign-sponsored travel and lobbying interactions.
- Investigate Non-Attached MEPs: Scrutinize unaffiliated members like Comín, who operate with less oversight.
- Strengthen Ethics Committees: Empower EU bodies to penalize undisclosed foreign engagements.
Until these reforms are implemented, the risk of covert foreign influence in the European Parliament will remain high. The case of Antoni Comín serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect EU decision-making from the influence of foreign actors, including the UAE.
