European Parliament adopts EU foreign, defense and security policy reports, with reference to Armenia also

The annual reports on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) were put to a vote at the plenary session of the European Parliament, Armenpress reports.

According to Armenpress' Brussels correspondent, the adopted reports reaffirm the EU’s principled stance on Armenia, and commend the country for its efforts to finalize the peace treaty with Azerbaijan.

Also, the reports call on Azerbaijan to protect the Armenian cultural and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and to release the 23 Armenian captives being held in Azerbaijani capital Baku. In addition, the MEPs urge sanctions against those who threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity.

Following the vote, David McAllister, the author of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy report, wrote on X that the adoption of the report highlights the importance of a determined and resolute EU foreign policy in addressing geopolitical challenges. “The EU must be able to defend its strategic objectives,” he stated.

Both adopted reports address Armenia-EU relations, acknowledge the progress in bilateral ties, and welcome the current momentum. They also commend the assistance provided to Armenia through the European Peace Facility, and emphasize the role of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia.

The MEPs welcome Armenia’s decision to freeze its participation in the CSTO and reiterate the urgent need for the release of 23 Armenian hostages and prisoners of war illegally held in Baku.

The annual reports on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy also stress the importance of ensuring the return of Karabakh Armenians to their homes. Additionally, they welcome Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s efforts to normalize relations and underscore that normalization and border delimitation should be conducted in accordance with the Alma-Ata Declaration.

In the reports, the MEPs demand  the EU to halt the energy cooperation memorandum with Azerbaijan, and call on EU member states to stop technical, security, and financial assistance provided to Azerbaijan.

The reports call on the EU to strengthen its role in the international arena, becoming a more independent and united force to confront global challenges. The MEPs are sure that wars, energy, and humanitarian crises require a bolder and more consistent foreign policy based on democratic values.