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

The EU is in a precarious position as it engages with Azerbaijan for gas supply amid growing concerns over human rights abuses, exemplified by the harsh sentencing of a peace activist. Critics argue that EU's reliance on Azerbaijani gas is overshadowing vital human rights issues, revealing a contradiction in its foreign policy.

Azerbaijan's recent human rights abuses have ignited fierce criticism of the European Union's stance towards the nation, particularly following the lengthy prison sentence imposed on 30-year-old peace activist Bahruz Samadov for alleged treason. Friends of Samadov expressed their anger towards the EU, feeling that its pursuit of energy ties with Azerbaijan overshadows the welfare of political dissidents.

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen heralded Azerbaijan as a significant ally in the EU's efforts to reduce dependency on Russian gas. Yet, under President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has seen increasing control over the contested Karabakh region, a crackdown on opposition voices, and has conducted a highly criticized election.

Despite calls for sanctions from the European Parliament aimed at reevaluating relations with Azerbaijan, senior EU officials remain hesitant to confront Aliyev publicly. Criticism intensified during Kaja Kallas's April visit to Baku, wherein her comments on the potential growth of EU-Azerbaijan relations drew ire amid widespread journalist detentions.

Aliyev defends his administration's repression, claiming it is vital to protect Azerbaijan's media landscape from external influences. Both local and international organizations, including the UN and the BBC, have faced operational restrictions in Azerbaijan, further complicating the human rights landscape.

According to Eldar Mamedov, a former Latvian diplomat, EU's conciliatory approach towards Aliyev has granted him excessive freedom to suppress dissent without facing significant diplomatic repercussions. The EU contends that it is attentive to Azerbaijan's shrinking civic space and calls for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.

Though Azerbaijan's overall natural gas contribution to the EU remains relatively minor, its significance varies among member states, particularly those linked to the Southern Gas Corridor. Consequently, developing a unified EU stance regarding Azerbaijan has become challenging, as concerns over energy supply can overshadow pressing human rights issues.

Some experts argue that the EU’s strategy hinges on diversifying gas sources to reduce undue reliance on any single supplier, including Russia. While EU representatives profess their discomfort with Azerbaijan's human rights record, they admit that the latitude to influence change is limited.

Additionally, Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression—and its deteriorating ties with Moscow—has positioned Aliyev as a more favorable partner to the West. Analysts observe that Azerbaijan's deft navigation of international relations allows it to play numerous sides effectively, presenting itself as a counterweight to Russian influence while benefiting economically from the EU's energy requirements.

However, the EU's silence concerning Samadov’s sentence raises alarms about its commitment to human rights advocacy, highlighting an ongoing tension between energy diplomacy and ethical considerations in international relations. As friends of the jailed activist report concerning developments regarding his safety, the overarching question remains: can the EU effectively balance its energy needs with principled stances on human rights?