The recent sentencing of Azerbaijani activist Bahruz Samadov has sparked outrage among his supporters, who accuse the EU of prioritizing energy partnerships over human rights. With Azerbaijan emerging as a crucial gas supplier amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the EU is balancing geopolitical needs against ethical concerns regarding Baku's repression of dissent.
Europe's Complex Relationship with Azerbaijan: Energy Dependency vs. Human Rights Concerns
Europe's Complex Relationship with Azerbaijan: Energy Dependency vs. Human Rights Concerns
As Europe seeks alternative gas supplies post-Russian aggression, it faces criticism for its handling of Azerbaijan's human rights violations, exemplified by the recent jailing of activist Bahruz Samadov.
The recent sentencing of Bahruz Samadov, a young peace activist in Azerbaijan, to 15 years for treason has ignited anger among his supporters, who largely direct their frustration towards the European Union (EU) for its perceived complicity. Despite his firm denial of the charges, Samadov's punishment reflects a broader climate of suppression in Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyev, who has been in power for 21 years.
The EU’s growing partnership with Azerbaijan, particularly following the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is seen by critics as a prioritization of energy security over human rights. In a bid to decrease reliance on Russian gas, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously labeled Azerbaijan as a "key partner." However, since then, Aliyev has tightened his grip on power, reinstated authority over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, and cracked down on political opposition and press freedoms.
Human rights activists have urged the EU to adopt sanctions against Azerbaijan and lessen its dependency on gas imports. Still, top EU officials often refrain from criticizing Baku publicly. Instead, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has emphasized potential collaboration during her visits, infuriating those concerned about the ongoing detainment of journalists and activists.
The government of Azerbaijan justifies its harsh measures as necessary to shield the media from external manipulation while routinely accusing international organizations of bias. This stance has led to the closure of offices belonging to organizations like the UN and BBC within the country.
A former Latvian diplomat highlights the paradox in EU-Azerbaijan relations, noting that EU policy, in effect, grants a de facto endorsement of Aliyev’s authoritarian strategies due to the EU’s energy needs, particularly as Azerbaijan's gas supplies have become more essential for certain member states, like Bulgaria, Italy, and Greece.
Although Azerbaijan accounts for only a modest share of the EU's overall gas imports (4.3%), its significance escalates for specific nations heavily dependent on the Southern Gas Corridor, complicating the EU's ability to confront Baku on human rights issues.
Energy analysts suggest that while Azerbaijan is not an irreplaceable supplier, building diversified sources is a strategic objective for the EU. In this context, Aliyev's decision to support Ukraine's sovereignty against Russian aggression adds another layer to the EU's calculations. Although Azerbaijan has not directly sanctioned Russia, the country has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, attempting to position itself as a counterbalance to Russian influence while strengthening ties with the West.
Despite persistent concerns regarding human rights conditions, the EU finds itself in a complex and delicate position. Reports of Samadov's deteriorating mental state after his sentencing further add urgency to calls for a reevaluation of the EU's approach toward Azerbaijan, raising questions about the costs of energy security on the backdrop of human rights obligations.
