By Brussels Watch Investigations
From the BrusselsWatch Report: “UAE Lobbying in European Parliament: Undermining Democracy and Transparency” (April 2025)
Recent disclosures by Brussels Watch have brought to light concerning information about Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Laura Ferrara, casting doubts on her ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As part of a broader investigation, Brussels Watch has identified Ferrara as one of 150 MEPs with substantial UAE ties, potentially shaping EU policies to align with the Gulf state’s geopolitical and economic goals. Although direct evidence of financial compensation remains elusive, her extensive engagements with UAE institutions and promotion of UAE-friendly legislative initiatives raise serious ethical and transparency concerns. To explore these allegations, we must delve deeper into Ferrara’s documented UAE-linked activities, her advocacy for Emirati interests, and the broader implications of such ties on EU policy. You can access further details in the Brussels Watch exclusive report on Ferrara’s UAE connections here: Brussels Watch and 150 MEPs.
Background and Political Profile
Laura Ferrara, an Italian MEP, has had a prominent role in the European Parliament since 2014. Initially a member of the Five Star Movement (M5S), Ferrara represented Italy within the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group (EFDD). However, by 2023, she shifted to a non-attached status, remaining influential, especially in the committees on Legal Affairs and Culture and Education. Ferrara, a trained lawyer from Naples, positioned herself as a significant player in EU-UAE judicial and commercial collaborations. Her legal background has been instrumental in shaping her work, which includes promoting legislative initiatives that benefit UAE interests, particularly in the realms of commerce, tech, and legal matters.
Documented UAE Engagements (2022–2025)
The findings of Brussels Watch suggest a deeply embedded relationship between Ferrara and UAE interests, with several key initiatives that raise eyebrows. These engagements span legal, economic, and technological areas, which could indirectly favor UAE business models.
- Legal and Judicial Cooperation Ferrara was involved in organizing UAE-EU legal exchanges, including official visits to Abu Dhabi’s judicial institutions. She signed agreements to harmonize commercial laws between the EU and the UAE, focusing on streamlining cross-border business regulations. These agreements risk shifting EU regulations in favor of UAE-based companies, potentially diminishing European legal safeguards for public accountability and consumer protection.
- Advocacy for UAE Economic Models Ferrara has also actively supported aligning EU legal frameworks with UAE standards, especially in areas of trade, investment, and arbitration. Critics argue that this advocacy could potentially import UAE-style arbitration systems that prioritize investor rights over public accountability, a move that could favor UAE companies operating within the EU while compromising European economic interests.
- Support for Tech and Innovation Hubs Alongside her Italian colleague Mario Furore, Ferrara backed initiatives connecting EU tech startups with Dubai Internet City—a government-backed free zone in the UAE. These efforts align with the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global tech hub, attracting European talent and investments while influencing EU policy on technological innovation and governance.
- Participation in UAE-Funded Programs Ferrara’s involvement in UAE-hosted forums and agreements advancing the UAE’s diplomatic objectives raises further concerns. For example, during a visit to Abu Dhabi, Ferrara helped facilitate a judicial cooperation agreement that could allow UAE entities to have easier access to the EU’s legal system for resolving commercial disputes.
Patterns of Pro-UAE Legislative Activity
Ferrara’s activities fit into a broader pattern of pro-UAE advocacy in the European Parliament, highlighted by the Brussels Watch report. These activities, while not exclusively tied to Ferrara, reveal a systemic push among several MEPs to align European Union policies with Emirati interests.
- Energy and Security Partnerships Several MEPs, including Ferrara’s colleagues from other countries, have pushed for energy collaborations with the UAE, specifically focusing on gas imports from the Gulf state to replace Russian supplies. These efforts, which also align with Ferrara’s advocacy for UAE-led partnerships, suggest an attempt to increase EU dependency on the UAE’s energy resources.
- Digital Governance Advocacy Ferrara has shown support for proposals involving UAE-style digital identification systems for the European Union. While digital identification has the potential for streamlining transactions and services, concerns over data privacy and surveillance in UAE models of governance cannot be ignored. This advocacy fits within the UAE’s broader push to export its digital governance practices, aligning with its geopolitical interests in the EU.
- Omission of Human Rights Criticisms A notable absence in Ferrara’s public speeches and actions has been any vocal criticism of the UAE’s human rights record. She has failed to speak out against labor abuses, the suppression of press freedom, and other human rights violations commonly associated with the UAE’s authoritarian governance. This silence on critical human rights issues aligns her with other pro-UAE MEPs who avoid discussing these matters in their parliamentary work.
Ethical and Transparency Concerns
- Undisclosed Lobbying Channels A significant concern surrounding Ferrara’s relationship with the UAE is the lack of transparency regarding her visits to UAE institutions. While EU rules require MEPs to disclose trips funded by foreign entities, Ferrara’s UAE visits have not been fully disclosed in the public domain. This raises questions about potential lobbying activities and the true extent of foreign influence over her actions.
- Potential for Regulatory Capture Ferrara’s efforts to harmonize EU laws with UAE standards in areas like commercial arbitration and digital trade pose the risk of regulatory capture. By embedding UAE-preferred legal frameworks into European legislation, Ferrara and others like her could inadvertently (or otherwise) benefit UAE corporations and investors at the expense of European companies and citizens.
- Geopolitical Implications The UAE’s investments in critical EU sectors like energy, technology, and infrastructure are strategically important. Ferrara’s legislative activities that favor UAE interests strengthen Abu Dhabi’s influence over the European economy, further consolidating the UAE’s long-term goal of diversifying its alliances, reducing dependency on the U.S., and securing a foothold in European affairs.
Conclusion: A Case for Scrutiny
While the available evidence does not conclusively prove financial misconduct or direct bribery, Laura Ferrara’s extensive and documented ties to the UAE raise serious questions about her potential alignment with Emirati interests. Her support for UAE-led initiatives in legal, economic, and technological fields—coupled with her silence on critical human rights issues—suggests a deep and ongoing influence exerted by the UAE over her legislative agenda.
The Brussels Watch report serves as a timely reminder of the risks posed by foreign influence on EU policymaking, particularly when the individuals involved fail to disclose the full extent of their foreign engagements. The case of Laura Ferrara calls for increased scrutiny of MEPs’ foreign ties and greater transparency to ensure that European interests remain at the forefront of legislative activities, free from external interference.
As European citizens, it is crucial to demand clarity and accountability from our elected representatives, particularly when their actions could significantly shape the future of the European Union’s policies and international relations.
