The European Council is expected to support the normalisation of relations process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, known as the ‘Brussels process’, and invite the parties to commit themselves in good faith to completing this process by the end of the year, according to draft conclusions of 24 October obtained by EUROPE.
The leaders will also reportedly underline their continued support for a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of sovereignty, inviolability of borders and territorial integrity.
During the discussion between the leaders, France stated that it wanted to obtain the greatest possible support for Armenia from the European Union, according to a source at the Élysée Palace.
While the draft conclusions of 22 October mentioned the EU’s support for Armenia in terms of humanitarian aid and civil protection and reiterated that refugees should be free to exercise their right to return, without any conditions, under international supervision and with respect for their history, culture and rights, the draft of 24 October no longer mentions this.
See the European Council's draft conclusions of October 24: https://aeur.eu/f/99d (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with the editorial staff)