The European Union finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates its energy dependence on Azerbaijan while facing accusations of ignoring significant human rights abuses occurring in the nation. This scrutiny intensified following the jailing of Bahruz Samadov, a 30-year-old PhD student and peace activist sentenced to 15 years on dubious charges of treason. Critics of the EU argue that prioritizing energy needs has led to a troubling silence on Azerbaijan’s authoritarian practices under President Ilham Aliyev, who has maintained power for over 21 years.
The EU has labeled Azerbaijan a "key partner" in its push to sever ties with Russian natural gas, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. However, Baku's increasing repression of dissent, including the arrest of journalists and opposition figures, has sparked backlash against the EU’s cozy relationship with Aliyev’s regime. Although the European Parliament voiced support for sanctions on Azerbaijan last year, top EU officials have largely refrained from condemning Aliyev during diplomatic engagements.
As EU officials grapple with the delicate balance between energy needs and principled diplomacy, critics like former Latvian diplomat Eldar Mamedov highlight that the ongoing human rights abuses are overshadowed by the EU's pressing desire for diversified gas supplies. Despite Azerbaijan's modest share of 4.3% of the EU’s gas imports, some member states depend more heavily on it, complicating the EU's position.
While Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity has positioned it favorably in the eyes of the West, experts point out the potential for Aliyev to exploit this interest without addressing his country’s human rights record. Calls for improvement have largely fallen on deaf ears, as illustrated by the EU's muted response to Samadov’s sentencing and the alarming treatment of journalists.
As Europe continues to seek unreliable gas partnerships, the human cost of this energy strategy becomes increasingly concerning. The plight of activists and journalists raises a fundamental question about trade-offs in power dynamics—how far will the EU go to secure its energy future at the expense of moral obligation?
