EU Parliament Members Criticize Azerbaijan, Turkey on Genocide Anniversary

European Parliament Members Criticize Azerbaijan, Turkey on Armenian Genocide 110th Anniversary Context – 2025

In the context of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, two Members of the European Parliament have publicly voiced criticisms related to regional dynamics and historical memory. French MEP Nathalie Loiseau addressed the planned travel of a high-ranking EU official, while Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi offered a reflection on the Genocide and Turkey’s historical past. Their statements, made public on social media platforms, added European parliamentary perspectives to the discussions surrounding the anniversary and the situation in the South Caucasus.

French MEP Nathalie Loiseau Criticizes Planned EU Visit to Azerbaijan Without Armenia

Nathalie Loiseau, a Member of the European Parliament representing France, expressed clear criticism regarding the planned visit itinerary of the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Using her X microblog as a platform, MEP Loiseau conveyed her strong disapproval of the decision to include a visit to Azerbaijan without simultaneously planning a visit to Armenia. According to the report, Loiseau specifically underlined her conviction that Kallas’s “planned visit to Baku is a wrong step.” This criticism from a French MEP highlights concerns within the European Parliament regarding the balance and appropriateness of the EU’s diplomatic engagements in the region, particularly concerning the differing approaches to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Characterizing Azerbaijan as Authoritarian and Threatening Armenia

In her criticism of the planned visit, Nathalie Loiseau offered distinct characterizations of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. She stated that Kaja Kallas is making a mistake by visiting “authoritarian Azerbaijan.” By labeling Azerbaijan as “authoritarian,” Loiseau refers to the nature of its political system, implying a lack of democratic freedoms and governance. She further linked this characterization to Azerbaijan’s actions towards its neighbor, stating that it “continues to threaten Armenia.” This suggests a view that Azerbaijan poses an ongoing security risk to Armenia. In contrast, Loiseau characterized Armenia as “democratic” and emphasized that it is a country “looking towards Europe.” This description highlights Armenia’s political orientation towards democratic values and its aspirations for closer ties with European structures. Loiseau’s contrasting characterizations frame the planned visit as a move that seemingly favors an authoritarian state over a democratic one facing threats.

Baku’s Alleged Actions: Interference and Stance with Russia

MEP Loiseau also made specific claims regarding actions attributed to Baku. She stated that Baku has “maliciously interfered in the internal affairs of an EU member state.” The source provides an editorial note specifying that Loiseau was referring to France in this context. This serious allegation suggests a deliberate attempt by Azerbaijan to negatively influence the domestic affairs of an EU member country. Furthermore, Loiseau claimed that Baku “stood by Russia.” This statement, made in a context where democratic Armenia is described as looking towards Europe, positions Azerbaijan alongside Russia, a country currently in conflict with Ukraine and facing widespread international condemnation from European states. Loiseau’s remarks thus paint a critical picture of Azerbaijan’s international alignment and its perceived actions against EU interests and member states.

Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi Reflects on Armenian Genocide Anniversary

In a separate public statement, Geadis Geadi, a Member of the European Parliament representing Cyprus, reflected on the solemn occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Using his Facebook page as a platform, MEP Geadi shared his thoughts on the historical atrocity and its enduring significance. His statement contributed another voice from the European Parliament to the global commemorations and discussions surrounding the Genocide on April 24, 2025.

Sources: MEP Nathalie Loiseau via X, MEP Geadis Geadi via Facebook

Genocide: A Crime That Must Not Be Forgotten

MEP Geadi’s reflection on the Armenian Genocide included a clear message about the imperative of remembrance. He stated, “110 years have passed since the Armenian Genocide: a crime that must not be forgotten.” This declaration emphasizes the passage of time since the atrocity began while simultaneously asserting that its historical reality and the memory of its victims must be actively preserved. Describing the Genocide as “a crime that must not be forgotten” highlights the moral obligation to remember the event, not just as a historical fact, but as a warning against future atrocities and a call for continued vigilance. His statement aligns with the broader international efforts to ensure that the lessons of the Armenian Genocide are learned and that such crimes are prevented in the future.

Turkey’s Past Steeped in Blood Cannot Be Erased

Geadis Geadi also directly addressed Turkey in his statement, critically commenting on its historical past and apparent attempts to shape the narrative. He stated, “No matter how much Turkey insists, its past steeped in blood cannot be erased.” The phrase “its past steeped in blood” is a powerful and critical characterization of Turkey’s historical actions, specifically in relation to the Armenian Genocide and potentially other related events. By stating that this past “cannot be erased,” regardless of how much Turkey “insists,” Geadi directly challenges Turkey’s policy of denial and its efforts to prevent the full acknowledgment of the Genocide. His remark underscores the view that historical facts, particularly those involving such immense suffering and loss of life, cannot be simply wished away or denied into oblivion, regardless of official state policy. This statement from a Cypriot MEP holds particular resonance given the historical context of the region.

Statements from Members of the European Parliament

Both Nathalie Loiseau and Geadis Geadi are elected Members of the European Parliament. As MEPs, they participate in the legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions of the EU. Their public statements on issues such as the Armenian Genocide and EU foreign policy in the South Caucasus reflect their individual perspectives and contribute to the political discourse within the European Union. Statements from MEPs can draw attention to specific issues, influence debates within the Parliament, and reflect concerns held by their constituents or political groups. Their decision to voice these views on social media platforms ensures a wide public reach for their messages.

Connecting Historical Memory with Contemporary Political Issues

The statements by MEP Loiseau and MEP Geadi, while addressing different specific points, collectively highlight the interconnectedness of historical memory and contemporary political issues in the context of the Armenian Genocide’s 110th anniversary. Loiseau’s criticism links the historical reality of a democratic Armenia facing threats to current EU foreign policy decisions regarding visits to the region and touches upon allegations of interference and geopolitical alignments. Geadi’s reflection directly addresses the historical crime of Genocide and confronts the issue of denial, explicitly referencing Turkey’s past. Both statements, in their own way, demonstrate how the historical events of 1915 continue to influence present-day political perspectives, diplomatic considerations, and reflections on historical truth and accountability within the European Parliament.

European Voices Raise Concerns on Anniversary

In conclusion, on or around the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, two Members of the European Parliament, Nathalie Loiseau of France and Geadis Geadi of Cyprus, made public statements addressing relevant issues. MEP Loiseau criticized EU High Representative Kaja Kallas’s planned visit to Azerbaijan without including Armenia, characterizing Azerbaijan as authoritarian and threatening and Armenia as democratic and looking towards Europe, while also alleging Baku’s interference in an EU member state’s affairs and alignment with Russia. Separately, MEP Geadi reflected on the Armenian Genocide, stating that 110 years have passed since this unforgettable crime and asserting that Turkey’s past, steeped in blood, cannot be erased despite its insistence. These statements from European Parliamentarians underscore ongoing concerns within European political circles regarding the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide, the importance of remembrance, and the complexities of the political dynamics in the South Caucasus region.