The EU condemned Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023 and deplores the loss of lives and the massive exodus of Karabakh Armenians caused by the escalation. This was stated by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in response to a written question from one of the EU MPs.
"The EU is mobilising efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Karabakh Armenians. In October 20231, the Commission announced over EUR 12 million in additional humanitarian aid. The EU calls upon Azerbaijan to uphold and guarantee the rights of Karabakh Armenians, including the right to return to their homes for those displaced2. The property and cultural heritage of the Karabakh Armenians must be protected. Following the two United Nations missions to Nagorno-Karabakh, the EU also calls for the establishment of a permanent international presence on the ground.
The EU-Azerbaijan cooperation is based on respect for human rights and EU values. Under the current multiannual financial frameworks (MFF), between 2021 and 2023, annual grant assistance for Azerbaijan has so far amounted to EUR 15 million.
These funds support strategic EU priorities in Azerbaijan, such as support for civil society, the green transition, and governance reform. While cooperation in the field of energy contributes to the EU’s goal of diversifying fossil fuel supplies, in accordance with the REPowerEU plan3, the EU services continue to monitor the situation on the ground closely, and have warned against any further escalation, including against the territory of Armenia.
The EU’s overall objective remains the promotion of a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Borrell stated.
