EU Calls on the European Commission to Halt Strategic Energy Cooperation with Azerbaijan

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution regarding human rights violations in Azerbaijan, calling on the European Commission to stop energy cooperation with the country and to condition any future collaboration on the release of political prisoners and the general improvement of human rights.

Additionally, the resolution states that the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan are incompatible with the preparatory work for the COP29 conference to be held in the country. Members of the European Parliament also demand that Azerbaijan release all political prisoners and remind the authorities of their obligation to respect human rights and dignity, urging the repeal of repressive legislation that excludes independent non-governmental organizations and media from legal protections.

The resolution calls on the EU to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for human rights violations. During the debates preceding the resolution's adoption, most speakers expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, calling on the European Commission to terminate strategic energy cooperation with the country and to cease considering Aliyev's regime a strategic partner. They emphasized that the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan cannot be reconciled with the decision to hold the COP29 conference there.