Written question – EU’s diplomatic presence in the South Caucasus and conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia – E-004067/2025

Question for written answer  E-004067/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE)

Day by day, the situation of Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly worrying. The closure of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s office in Baku took away the only neutral international body with regular access to detainees. Independent sources report a deterioration in detainees’ health, a lack of medical care, prolonged isolation and politically motivated prosecutions.

The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Belgium recently stated that court hearings were open to the diplomatic community, but that the EU had not yet attended. Given the fragility of the peace between the two countries, resolving the issue of the detainees would be a welcome step, however.

In this context and in view of the EU’s responsibilities as a mediator in the South Caucasus:

• 1.Will the Commission instruct the EU Delegation in Baku to attend and report on the upcoming trials of Armenian detainees?
• 2.How does it intend to ensure humanitarian access and independent medical assessments for the most vulnerable detainees?
• 3.How and when will it inform the European Parliament and the public whether Azerbaijan is complying with its international obligations?

Submitted: 15.10.2025