The European Union continues to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of goodwill, the avoidance of inflammatory rhetoric, and the rejection of threats or the use of force in negotiations. Speaking with Armenpress, Anita Hipper, EU spokesperson for external relations and security, reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting both nations in their quest for lasting regional peace.
Hipper highlighted the EU’s call for both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions that address their respective concerns. She stressed that the EU remains deeply involved in mediation efforts, actively consulting with both parties to ensure progress in resolving unresolved issues, including those related to displaced populations and territorial integrity.
Recent statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, which included veiled threats against EU monitoring missions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, have drawn sharp criticism from European officials. These remarks not only pose challenges to the EU’s role as an impartial mediator but also contradict the fundamental values of peace and security upheld by the Union. Hipper emphasized that actions or rhetoric undermining the peace process are unacceptable and must be avoided to maintain the fragile balance in the region.
The EU’s ongoing engagement with both nations remains crucial, with European Special Representative Toivo Klaar visiting Baku and Yerevan to reiterate the Union’s call for restraint and cooperation. European Council President Charles Michel further underscored these points in a recent conversation with President Aliyev, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to safeguarding regional stability and fostering trust between the parties.
Despite these challenges, the EU has made tangible contributions to peacebuilding efforts in the South Caucasus. The “Brussels Process,” initiated in 2021, provided a structured platform for Armenia and Azerbaijan to address key issues through dialogue. While the process faced obstacles, it offered both parties a neutral space to engage in constructive discussions, which were acknowledged as valuable by both sides.
Looking ahead, the EU remains optimistic about 2025 bringing further progress in bilateral relations and the establishment of lasting peace in the region. The Union has reaffirmed its readiness to provide additional support to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, ensuring that the peace process continues to benefit the region’s entire population.