The European Parliament will discuss Sport and Human Rights, including in the context of the Baku European Games.

The question will be debated during the plenary session on Wednesday and will be presented by Elena Valenciano on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“Sporting events can be used by host governments, including authoritarian regimes, to boost their global standing and the personal prestige of their leaders. Upcoming international sporting events, such as the European Games in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will represent a vital and sensitive choice for the EU. World leaders are always invited to the opening ceremonies, as this represents an opportunity for autocrats to legitimise their power and improve their image in the eyes of domestic and international public opinion,” says the text posted on the European Parliament's website.

“As regards Azerbaijan in particular, most of the country’s high-profile human rights defenders, journalists and other independent voices have been imprisoned in the run-up to the inaugural European Games. The Azerbaijani Government is determined to use the games to boost the country’s global reputation.”