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 ...