EU-Azerbaijan: Trading Away Principles – The EU's Shift from Values to Interests

This post sums up the main points of a report by the End Repression in Azerbaijan Campaign. The report, Trading Away Principles: The Human Rights Crisis in Azerbaijan – The European Union Prioritizes Energy and Geopolitics, says that the EU has changed its relationship with Azerbaijan. It's gone from a partnership based on shared values to one where energy security, trade, and geopolitics come first. This shift has happened as Azerbaijan's repression has grown worse since its independence.

The report says Azerbaijan has tightened its grip as an authoritarian state, leading to a record number of political prisoners (at least 400) and the near destruction of independent media and civil society. Human rights advocates, journalists, and activists face constant arrests, prosecutions, and funding restrictions. This internal crackdown mirrors the EU's energy priorities. The EU wants to diversify its energy sources, so it signed the 2022 Energy Memorandum of Understanding. This has pushed natural gas, connectivity, and the Middle Corridor to the top of the agenda, overshadowing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The report points out that the EU is Azerbaijan’s biggest export market and a major investor, but it hasn't used its influence well. The EU's silence is seen by Baku as a sign to increase repression. This idea is strengthened by events such as a recent visit by a top EU official who barely mentioned human rights. The report also notes conflicting approaches within the EU: the European Parliament calls for strict conditions, sanctions, and ending the 2022 energy deal, but the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) keep cooperating, ignoring the human rights crisis. This sends a weak message to the Azerbaijani government. Lastly, Azerbaijan's repression has spread beyond its borders, targeting exiled journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. The protection offered by EU countries against this is patchy and insufficient.

To fix this, the report asks EU officials to urgently make human rights a key priority again. First, the EU must put human rights, democracy, and the rule of law at the center of any new or renewed agreement with Azerbaijan. Progress on cooperation and new deals should depend on real reforms, including releasing all political prisoners. Second, the EU must be ready to stop talks or freeze deals if repression gets worse. The EU should also increase support for independent Azerbaijani civil society and media, both inside the country and in exile. Finally, the report urges EU countries to align their energy, trade, and security policies with EU human rights standards to ensure that no country undermines the EU's position.