Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Parliament have become increasingly tense in recent times. Resolutions adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan, particularly accusations related to human rights, democracy, and regional developments, have triggered a strong reaction from Baku. Official Baku considers these documents biased and a tool of political pressure. Against this background, Azerbaijan’s representation and future cooperation prospects within platforms such as the European Union, the European Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the OSCE are being widely discussed.
Political analyst Ahmad Shahidov stated that Azerbaijan should never step back on issues of national interests and sovereignty, especially regarding Karabakh, where biased approaches by European institutions cannot be accepted: “Azerbaijan rightfully maintains a principled position on national issues, and this stance must remain unchanged. However, weakening our participation in international platforms is also not in our national interest. If we are not present at that table, the number of anti-Azerbaijani decisions and statements will increase even further. Armenia and the circles supporting it will use this opportunity to expand the anti-Azerbaijani front.”
Ahmad Shahidov emphasized that restoring dialogue, rather than completely cutting ties with European institutions, would be the more reasonable approach: “Azerbaijan has undertaken certain obligations before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and other international organizations. Certain reforms related to human rights, media freedom, the development of democratic institutions, and the electoral environment could create new opportunities for cooperation. At the same time, more active work should be carried out with deputies, political circles, diaspora groups, and civil society representatives who initiate anti-Azerbaijani campaigns. The goal should be to reopen the doors of European platforms for Azerbaijan and ensure that our country’s position is defended directly there.”
