EU envoy’s visit to Baku sparks criticism

PanARMENIAN.Net - Members of the European Parliament and national parliaments across Europe have criticized the upcoming April 25 visit of Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to Azerbaijan. Their concerns were voiced in posts shared on X.

Lucas Fourlas, a Member of the European Parliament from Cyprus, wrote: “Kaja Kallas’s visit to Azerbaijan on April 25 is deeply concerning. It comes amid ongoing cross-border violence by Azerbaijan, the illegal detention of Armenian civilians, and direct threats against the EU monitoring mission in Armenia.”

French National Assembly member Isabelle Santiago labeled the visit “scandalous,” particularly as it coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. She emphasized that many Armenians remain imprisoned in Baku, Armenpress reported.

Spanish MP Francesc Marc Álvaro echoed the alarm, stating: “This trip to Baku on April 25 raises serious concerns. Azerbaijan’s human rights record is dire, and the visit could harm relations between the EU and Armenia, a key partner committed to peace.”

Another Spanish parliamentarian, Jon Iñarritu, added: “As Azerbaijan violates human rights and international law, Kaja Kallas heads to Baku. Other South Caucasus nations support democracy and peace, yet the EU prioritizes authoritarianism.”

Former German Bundestag member Michael Roth directly addressed Kallas, questioning: “You visit Baku’s authoritarian regime while avoiding democratic Yerevan. Azerbaijan rejects our values; Armenia moves closer to the EU. What is the state of strategic thinking in Brussels?”

Previously, it was announced that Kaja Kallas would travel to Azerbaijan on April 25 for meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. A press statement is scheduled following her meeting with Bayramov.