The European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union’s involvement in the South Caucasus is crucial for promoting regional cooperation, ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity, and for contributing to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Kallas made this statement in response to written questions from Emmanuel Fragkos, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, reports Armenpress.

The lawmaker had inquired whether, during her meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the minister committed to releasing over 320 political prisoners, repatriating Armenian detainees, and providing guarantees for the dignified return of Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh in line with legally binding rulings of the International Court of Justice. He also questioned why the EU could not abandon its soft policy when dealing with authoritarian regimes like Azerbaijan.

Kallas replied that protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law remain EU priorities in cooperation with Azerbaijan.

"The EU has called on Azerbaijani authorities to ensure their actions comply with their obligations under domestic and international law. The EU has expressed concern over the increasing number of arrests of journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists in Azerbaijan. In this context, the EU has consistently called for the release of all individuals detained for exercising their fundamental rights. These messages have been conveyed both publicly and bilaterally at all levels, including by the High Representative/Vice-President," Kallas wrote in her response.

She also welcomed the conclusion of bilateral negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a peace agreement, urging both sides to maintain the momentum and ensure a smooth end to the process. Kallas once again underscored the importance of the EU's presence and engagement in the South Caucasus in the context of normalizing relations between Baku and Yerevan.

On October 24, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Azerbaijan, violations of human rights and international law, and EU relations with Armenia, rejecting normal relations with Aliyev’s authoritarian regime.