On Wednesday 4 July, the European Parliament adopted a long list of recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan that is currently under negotiation.
In a recommendation by Norica Nicolai (ALDE, Romania), which was adopted, MEPs state that the deepening of relations must be dependent upon upholding and respect for democracy, the rule of law, good governance, human rights and fundamental liberties. They highlight the need for reform, notably judicial, and respect for the freedoms of expression and association.
Parliament also wants the agreement to contain provisions to help Azerbaijan tackle economic crime, including corruption, and it is keen to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Taking into account that Azerbaijan is not a member of the WTO, fair and ambitious provisions on trade and investment which fully comply with EU standards and do nothing to harm it should be put in place, MEPs add. They also want increased cooperation in the energy sector.
MEPs say that the new agreements between the EU and Azerbaijan and Armenia must be conditional on significant commitments and substantial progress towards peacefully resolving the Nagorno Karabagh conflict.
No comprehensive agreement can be ratified with a country which does not respect the values and fundamental rights of the EU and, before the end of talks on the agreement, Baku will have to take major steps on the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, MEPs make clear.
Parliament wants the negotiations on the agreement, which should be ambitious, comprehensive and of benefit to both parties, to move forward swiftly and smoothly with the aim of signing before the next Eastern Partnership summit, due to be held in 2019, so long as the conditions laid down are met. The agreement should not be applied provisionally until Parliament has given its approval, MEPs state, threatening to withhold their green light to the agreement if this call is disregarded. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)