Azerbaijan Fumes at European Union's Backing of Armenia

Azerbaijan has vehemently criticized the European Union (EU), accusing it of bias and double standards following recent statements made by Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Borrell's remarks, following the EU's Foreign Affairs Council session in Brussels, unveiled the EU's decision to bolster its monitoring mission along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He emphasized the Council's commitment to support Armenia's democratically elected authorities, strengthen cooperation, and safeguard the country's security while continuing reforms.

"We decided to beef up our mission in Armenia with more servants and more patrols in the sensitive areas of the border. And we will explore possible support to Armenia under the European Peace Facility and an option for visa liberalization for Armenia," Borrell declared, highlighting the EU's proactive stance toward Armenia's security.

Borrell's warning against any destabilizing attempts in Armenia, along with the EU's pledge to defend Armenia's territorial integrity, has drawn Azerbaijan's ire. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) labeled these statements as "unacceptable" and a threat to their nation's sovereignty. This reaction comes even in light of Azerbaijan's occupation of the indigenous Armenian homeland of Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh.

"The EU's attempts to supply Armenia with weaponry and thereby support its insidious militarization policy that undermines peace and stability in our region lay a responsibility on the EU," stated the Azerbaijani MFA in response to Borrell's comments.

Moreover, Borrell reiterated the EU's stance on negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for a potential peace agreement and the EU's commitment to mediate.

The EU's decision to expand its monitoring mission into Armenia, with plans for wider participation including non-EU countries, has further exacerbated tensions. Borrell's assertion that any violation of Armenia's territorial integrity would lead to severe consequences for the EU's relations has intensified the diplomatic standoff.

This move by the EU, although intended to enhance security and stability in the region, has resulted in a diplomatic rift between Azerbaijan and the EU, heightening concerns about the already fragile geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus.