Europe's Diplomatic Dilemma: Balancing Energy Needs and Human Rights in Azerbaijan

Amid rising tensions and human rights concerns, the European Union's pursuit of energy diversification is leading to accusations of inaction against Azerbaijani repression.

When Bahruz Samadov, a young peace activist, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for high treason last month, the backlash from his friends and supporters was predominantly aimed at the European Union, rather than the Azerbaijani government responsible for his punishment. Samadov, a 30-year-old PhD student, has labeled the charges against him as baseless, highlighting the grim reality for dissent in President Ilham Aliyev's Azerbaijan. Critics argue that while the EU appears to be maintaining a cordial relationship with Baku, this comes at a significant cost to human rights.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pronounced Azerbaijan a crucial ally in the EU's strategy to lessen reliance on Russian gas. Since that declaration, Aliyev has tightened his grip on the breakaway Karabakh region, resulting in the expulsion of its Armenian population, and has been accused of orchestrating a politically-charged election campaign. European Parliament members have urged the EU to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan, yet high-ranking foreign policy officials are reticent to criticize Aliyev's government publicly.

During a visit to Baku in April, the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas faced backlash for highlighting "great potential" in EU-Azerbaijan ties amid ongoing detentions of journalists in the country. Aliyev has rationalized these arrests, claiming they are necessary for maintaining a stable media landscape against alleged foreign interference. Furthermore, he has accused international bodies of unfair influence, resulting in the closure of Baku offices for various international organizations, including the UN and the BBC.

The EU's policies risk granting Aliyev significant leeway, said Eldar Mamedov, a former Latvian diplomat. "The crackdown on dissent has long strained Baku-Brussels relations," Mamedov noted, emphasizing that since the Ukrainian conflict intensified, scrutiny over Azerbaijan's rights abuses has lessened.

While an EU representative acknowledged concerns regarding civic space in Azerbaijan, showing a commitment to raising human rights issues with Baku, critics stress that Europe is trapped in a delicate balancing act between energy security and moral integrity.

Azerbaijan's role as a gas supplier, though modest at 4.3% of the EU's total imports, is significantly more critical for certain member states, such as Bulgaria, Italy, and Greece, which rely heavily on Azerbaijani gas. This dependence complicates the EU's ability to challenge Azerbaijan on human rights, leading to frustrations among diplomats over the lack of leverage.

Moreover, President Aliyev's perceived support for Ukraine has enhanced his status in Europe, as he positions himself as a bulwark against Russian intimidation. While he has not enacted sanctions against Russia, Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, thereby bolstering its image in Western eyes.

In a recent series of harsh sentences meted out against Azerbaijani journalists, the EU described these measures as troubling and called for initiatives to foster a safer environment for journalism. Notably, however, there has been silence regarding the incarceration of Samadov, who friends fear may be in distress following his sentence.

In the intricate geopolitical chessboard that pits energy needs against advocacy for human rights, the EU's relationship with Azerbaijan continues to evolve, as both parties navigate a complex web of interests and values.