EU faces criticism for backing Azerbaijan amid rights abuses

The EU's favorable stance towards Azerbaijan raises alarms as human rights abuses grow.

European Union faces backlash over support for Azerbaijan amid human rights concerns

The European Union is under scrutiny for its supportive relationship with Azerbaijan, especially following the harsh sentencing of Bahruz Samadov, a 30-year-old peace activist, to 15 years in prison for alleged treason. Critics claim that the EU's desire to secure natural gas supplies, particularly in the wake of elevated tensions with Russia, has allowed Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev to act with impunity. Since the beginning of 2022, Azerbaijan’s government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, controlling the breakaway Karabakh region and stifling freedom of the press. Despite calls from the European Parliament for sanctions against Baku, key EU officials, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have remained largely silent on these issues during visits to Azerbaijan.

The EU's increasing reliance on Azerbaijani gas exposes a troubling trade-off between energy security and human rights. Leaders like Ursula von der Leyen have characterized Azerbaijan as a vital partner, yet this partnership enables Aliyev to escalate his authoritarian grip without facing significant diplomatic repercussions. As EU officials maintain a cordial dialogue with Baku, the growing number of imprisoned activists raises a fundamental question: how far is Europe willing to compromise its values for energy independence?

Highlights

The implications of this diplomatic approach could shape the future of EU values amid energy crises.