EU's Complicated Relationship with Azerbaijan Amid Energy Needs and Human Rights Concerns

As the European Union seeks to diversify its energy sources away from Russia, its relationship with Azerbaijan has become complex, with concerns over human rights abuses surfacing amidst a backdrop of energy negotiation. Activists express frustration with the EU's perceived silence on the plight of imprisoned dissenters.

In recent weeks, Europe's diplomatic stance towards Azerbaijan has come under scrutiny due to a blend of energy concerns and human rights issues. Following the jailing of Bahruz Samadov, a peace activist and PhD student sentenced to 15 years for high treason, critics have directed their ire at the European Union (EU) for "flirting" with the controversial regime of President Ilham Aliyev. Samadov has maintained that the charges against him are fabricated, capturing the attention of advocates worldwide.

The EU recognized Azerbaijan as a "key partner" soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, driven by the urgent need to reduce dependency on Russian gas. This partnership has coincided with Aliyev’s consolidation of power, which has included significant crackdowns on opposition, press freedom, and the recent deportation of many from the historically Armenian-populated Karabakh region.

While the European Parliament has called for sanctions on Baku and an end to its gas imports, high-ranking EU officials like Kaja Kallas have refrained from openly condemning human rights violations during diplomatic visits. Kallas' remarks about the "great potential" of EU-Azerbaijan ties during her April visit came under fire, especially as reports indicated the arrest of numerous journalists contemporaneously.

Aliyev has reiterated that his actions against journalists are necessary for protecting national media integrity, framing these moves as a response to foreign influence. The EU, while claiming concern over Azerbaijan's shrinking civic space, appears cautious in its approach, fearing that overt criticisms might jeopardize its energy strategy.

As the EU works to limit its dependency on Russian gas, some member states are more reliant on Azerbaijan than others, with Bulgaria sourcing as much as 40% of its gas from the country. Despite overall imports from Azerbaijan accounting for a modest 4.3% of EU consumption, certain states have a greater stake, complicating the EU's ability to present a unified front regarding human rights.

Experts argue that Aliyev's willingness to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia might complicate EU dissatisfaction with Azerbaijan's human rights record, creating a paradox in European diplomacy: while the EU is uncomfortable with Aliyev's restrictions on civil liberties, it values his geopolitical positioning against Russia.

Azerbaijan's role as a regional player has been enhanced, with officials asserting that Aliyev is successfully leveraging relationships with both Western constituencies and Russia. As the humanitarian plight of imprisoned activists like Samadov continues, the EU's hesitance to confront Baku's authoritarian tendencies will be closely watched by human rights advocates and geopolitical analysts alike. Despite the call for improvements in civic rights, recent arrests, including that of investigative journalists, illustrate the ongoing struggle between energy security and democratic values in European foreign policy.