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The EU-UAE Friendship Group: Soft Power in the Shadows

 



Beneath the surface of formal diplomacy, the EU-UAE Friendship Group—an informal network of European Parliament members—exemplifies how soft power shapes geopolitical narratives. Though framed as a neutral platform for cultural exchange, the group’s activities reveal a subtle alignment with UAE interests, from promoting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification to echoing its security priorities. This "quiet strategic alignment" offers a case study in how middle powers leverage informal channels to influence policy without overt lobbying.

Diplomatic Quietude and Strategic Messaging

The group’s avoidance of contentious issues, such as the UAE-Qatar rift during the 2017–2021 blockade, speaks volumes. While the EU-Qatar Friendship Group suspended operations amid corruption scandals, the EU-UAE group maintained its activities, focusing instead on themes like counterterrorism and renewable energy—pillars of UAE foreign policy. Critics argue this selective engagement amounts to "influence by omission," reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s narrative as a progressive, stable ally without addressing its human rights record. The group’s events, often coordinated with the UAE Embassy to the EU, further blur the line between diplomacy and advocacy.

Economic Diplomacy and Institutional Leverage

The Friendship Group’s work dovetails with the UAE’s broader economic strategy. By spotlighting sectors like AI (where the UAE is a top 15 global investor) and green hydrogen, the group amplifies Abu Dhabi’s vision as a tech hub—a narrative bolstered by the UAE’s $50 billion EU tech investments. Its informal structure, however, raises transparency concerns. Unlike official EU bodies, the group operates without public oversight, mirroring the UAE’s preference for flexible, behind-the-scenes engagement. This approach has proven effective: the UAE’s 27 bilateral CEPA deals (including with the EU) showcase its ability to navigate both formal and informal diplomacy.

Implications for EU-Gulf Relations

The Friendship Group reflects a broader trend of Gulf states using parliamentary networks to sway European policymaking. As the EU seeks "open strategic autonomy," it must reconcile its values with the pragmatic realities of such partnerships. The group’s success—and criticism—underscore the need for clearer guidelines on informal diplomacy, ensuring that economic and security cooperation does not come at the cost of democratic accountability. With the UAE set to assume the GCC presidency in 2025, its dual-track engagement (formal FTA talks and informal lobbying) will likely set precedents for Gulf-Europe relations.

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