Vigenin: The European Parliament's relations with Azerbaijan should be restored through dialogue and diplomacy

“The Azerbaijani parliament’s decision to end its cooperation with the European Parliament is deeply worrying and sends an alarming political signal at a key moment for the South Caucasus. It comes precisely at a time when there are important opportunities for progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for greater regional stability, developments that the European Parliament has consistently supported.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament on the Azerbaijani parliament’s decision to suspend cooperation with the European Parliament.

The MEP stressed that parliamentary dialogue is not a reward reserved only for moments of agreement. “It is needed most precisely when disagreements are serious. The European Parliament has always believed that cooperation between parliamentary institutions provides a platform for overcoming differences, protecting common interests and promoting democratic values. Ending this dialogue risks deepening mistrust and weakening the opportunities for constructive engagement at a time when diplomacy and communication are needed more than ever,” he noted.

Kristian Vigenin recalled that over the years, as a European and national parliamentarian, he has worked closely with his Azerbaijani colleagues on many occasions. “As a founder and the first European Parliament Co-President of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, and later as Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and its Special Representative for the South Caucasus, I have been through difficult moments. It is not always easy to find the right balance between constructive criticism and cooperation,” he pointed out.

Vigenin pointed out that if European representatives have contributed to this decision by the Milli Majlis, they must also be ready to reconsider their approach. “The European Parliament is a multinational parliament with a strong international role, and more diplomacy in our actions can only help us achieve our goals,” he recommended.

The MEP recalled that throughout the current parliamentary term, the Group of the Socialists and Democrats has consistently expressed concern about the rule of law and the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, including regarding journalists, opposition figures and human rights defenders.

“Our criticism should never be interpreted as hostility towards the Azerbaijani people. On the contrary, our goal is a stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous South Caucasus where dialogue prevails over confrontation. The European Parliament must remain ready to resume engagement with our Azerbaijani colleagues at all levels through dialogue, responsibility and mutual respect,” Kristian Vigenin urged in conclusion.