MP urges more EU support for Armenia through peace fund

Armenia faces a challenging situation where its security, sovereignty, and democratic values are at risk, said François-Xavier Bellamy, a French member of the European Parliament.

He emphasized that the European Union has a duty to act by strengthening ties with Armenia and safeguarding the rights of its people, according to Armenpress.

Bellamy called for the extension of the EU mission in Armenia and highlighted the need to provide Armenia with defensive support through the European Peace Facility.

“Support for Armenia should include ammunition, equipment, and defensive measures. This will not only enhance Armenia’s security but also demonstrate Europe’s determination at this crucial moment,” the lawmaker stated.

Responding to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s criticisms of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia, Bellamy labeled them as threats not only to Armenia but also to EU member states.

“Unfortunately, the European Commission has failed to respond decisively to Azerbaijan’s behavior, whereas the European Parliament has been much clearer in condemning such statements,” Bellamy said.

He revealed that Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Brussels had threatened lawmakers who visited the Armenian-Azerbaijani border to monitor the EU mission’s activities. The ambassador allegedly posted a sniper’s image, insinuating possible dangers to these officials.

“Today, we are facing Azerbaijan’s aggressive rhetoric, but our primary concern is the European Commission’s active response. The gas deals with Baku, which undermine the Commission’s decisiveness, are a mirage. Azerbaijan depends more on Europe than Europe depends on Azerbaijan,” Bellamy said.

He also addressed internal divisions within EU institutions arising from energy needs, urging the European Commission to act responsibly.

“As we punish Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the same resolve is needed toward Azerbaijan. Armenia is a democracy aligned with European values, and this is also a matter of Europe’s security,” Bellamy asserted.

As vice-chair of the European Parliament’s largest group, Bellamy stated that his faction had already proposed sanctions against Azerbaijan. He noted that while Armenia received little attention in the parliament during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, the situation has changed today.

“Our continuous efforts and the resilience of the Armenian people have borne fruit. Now, very few dare to support Azerbaijan’s position,” he added.

Discussing Armenia’s prospects for European integration, Bellamy acknowledged that the enlargement process has stalled due to numerous internal obstacles. However, he stressed the importance of practical steps, especially in economic cooperation, visa liberalization, and security.