Armenia faces significant challenges to its sovereignty, security, and democratic values. In this critical moment, the European Union must act decisively to support Armenia, deepening its ties with the country and safeguarding its rights and security. This was emphasized by François-Xavier Bellamy, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), in an interview with Armenpress in Brussels.
Bellamy highlighted recent threats by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev targeting EU observers stationed in Armenia’s sovereign territory. He criticized the European Commission’s muted response to these threats, which merely called for dialogue and restraint. According to Bellamy, this reluctance to confront Azerbaijan stems partly from the EU’s dependency on controversial energy agreements with Baku, which, he argues, create a false sense of dependence. He insists that Azerbaijan is more reliant on Europe than the reverse.
The MEP urged the Commission to align with the European Parliament’s clear stance on condemning Azerbaijani actions, recalling a recent resolution passed with overwhelming support, which called for swift and decisive measures, including diplomatic pressure on Azerbaijan. Bellamy also criticized the EU Commission’s failure to act on threats made by Azerbaijan’s ambassador, who reportedly published an image of a sniper targeting MEPs who visited Armenia’s border to observe the EU mission’s work.
Bellamy emphasized that Armenia’s security is not just a regional issue but a critical geopolitical question tied to the defense of democracy and international law. He pointed out the stark contrast between Europe’s strong response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its passive approach to Azerbaijan’s actions against Armenia. According to him, this inconsistency undermines Europe’s credibility as a defender of democratic values.
The MEP outlined practical measures to strengthen Armenia’s security. First, he called for extending the mandate of the EU’s observation mission in Armenia, which has proven effective despite facing multiple attacks. Second, he proposed enhancing support through the European Peace Facility by providing Armenia’s armed forces with essential equipment, vehicles, and defensive tools. These steps, he argued, would not only bolster Armenia’s security but also reaffirm Europe’s strategic commitment to the region.
While Bellamy acknowledged that EU enlargement remains a distant and symbolic prospect due to internal vulnerabilities within the EU, he stressed the importance of tangible actions to strengthen Armenia-EU relations. He highlighted areas such as trade, aviation, and visa liberalization as immediate opportunities to foster closer ties. Supporting Armenia’s security and economic resilience, he noted, is critical for ensuring long-term stability and deterring future aggression.