The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the Azerbaijan regime for its repression of activists, journalists, and opposition leaders, including EU nationals. This repression has intensified before the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku from November 11 to 22.
The resolution, which passed with 453 votes in favour, 31 against, and 89 abstentions, states that Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses are incompatible with hosting the conference. MEPs urge EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to address these issues during the event. They also call on the government in Baku to stop all forms of repression, release arbitrarily detained individuals, and drop politically motivated charges.
Europe’s gas dependency on Azerbaijan must end
MEPs have voiced their concerns over Azerbaijan’s ongoing human rights abuses. They fear that increasing gas imports from Azerbaijan to the EU may lead to Azerbaijan importing Russian gas in return. As a result, MEPs are calling for an end to the EU’s dependence on Azerbaijani gas exports. They also urge the European Commission to suspend the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on the Strategic Partnership in the energy field between the EU and Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, the resolution stipulates that any future partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan must be contingent upon several conditions: Baku must release political prisoners, implement legal reforms, improve the overall human rights situation in the country, and demonstrate a genuine willingness to engage in peace negotiations with neighbouring Armenia, especially in light of the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azerbaijan must withdraw troops from Armenia’s sovereign territory
MEPs reaffirmed their support for Azerbaijan and Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They advocate for normalising relations between the two countries and signing a long-awaited peace agreement.
MEPs also call for the withdrawal of all Azerbaijani troops from Armenia’s sovereign territory, adherence to the relevant decisions of the International Court of Justice, and the release of 23 Armenian prisoners of war who were detained after Azerbaijan retook the Nagorno-Karabakh region last year.
Parliament urges member states to freeze all exports of military and security equipment to Azerbaijan, warning that any further Azerbaijani military action against Armenia would result in severe consequences.
