Europe Accused of Complicity with Azerbaijan Amid Human Rights Concerns

The recent harsh sentencing of peace activist Bahruz Samadov in Azerbaijan highlights growing tensions between the EU's energy strategy and its human rights commitments. As Europe seeks to reduce reliance on Russian gas, concerns over Azerbaijan's oppressive regime intensify, revealing the dilemmas faced by the EU in balancing energy partnerships and justice.

The recent 15-year prison sentence handed to Bahruz Samadov, a 30-year-old peace activist in Azerbaijan, has sparked outrage among his supporters, significantly directed toward the European Union. Despite calls for intervention, the EU appears to be taking a soft stance on Azerbaijan, as it seeks to decrease its dependency on Russian gas amidst geopolitical tensions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously identified Azerbaijan as a key ally in the EU's strategy to distance itself from Russian energy sources. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Baku has intensified its grip on the breakaway Karabakh region, resulting in a mass exodus of the Armenian population. Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev has managed to secure a fifth term despite international criticism regarding the legitimacy of the election process and ongoing turmoil within the media landscape.

While the European Parliament advocated for sanctions against Azerbaijan in light of human rights violations, EU officials have largely refrained from publicly condemning Aliyev’s regime. For instance, during Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, visit to Baku earlier this year, she was met with criticism for praising the "great potential" in EU-Azerbaijan relations while at least 21 journalists were reportedly detained.

Aliyev has rationalized the crackdowns on the media by citing a need to protect Azerbaijan from external influences, asserting that journalists receiving foreign funding pose a threat to national security. International entities, including the United Nations and prominent news organizations, also faced operational restrictions within the country.

Eldar Mamedov, a former Latvian diplomat, expresses concern that EU policy has inadvertently emboldened Aliyev, allowing acts of repression against journalists and opposition voices to proliferate with minimal repercussions. In contrast, an EU spokesperson insists that the Union is vocal about its worries regarding the diminishing civic space in Azerbaijan and calls for the release of those unjustly imprisoned.

Despite Azerbaijan not being a major natural gas supplier, its influence is significant in certain EU member states reliant on the Southern Gas Corridor—up to 40% of Bulgaria's gas imports come from Azerbaijan, with Italy and Greece also sourcing substantial amounts. As a result, the EU faces challenges in presenting a united front regarding sanctions or policy changes.

Analysts suggest that while the EU’s strategy aims to mitigate dependence on a single supplier, the complete reliance on Azerbaijan abroad raises ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations. Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion has garnered some favor in Europe, further complicating the diplomatic narrative as Aliyev navigates relationships with both worlds.

Despite publicly expressing concerns regarding Azerbaijan's human rights practices, the EU struggles to implement tangible actions. The recent jailing of investigative journalists and the sentencing of activists like Samadov exemplify the critical tension between maintaining energy partnerships and upholding values of human rights and freedom of expression.