BAKU: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sharply criticized recent comments made by Nicolas Schmit, the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, describing them as “unacceptable, unfounded, and totally biased.” This response follows Schmit’s remarks during a debate at the European Parliament on October 22. The Azerbaijani MFA’s critique highlights ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and the European Union over human rights issues and political interference.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the MFA Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada expressed strong disapproval of Schmit’s allegations, which were reportedly prepared by the European External Action Service (EEAS). The Azerbaijani government views these allegations as disconnected from reality and as an attempt to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs. The MFA denies claims that Azerbaijani citizens are being prosecuted for their political beliefs or that criminal proceedings involving individuals identifying as journalists or human right
s advocates are politically motivated.

The statement from Azerbaijan also criticizes the European Union for what it perceives as a harmful approach that complicates Azerbaijan-European relations. It accuses the EU of ignoring Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and highlights systemic human rights issues within some EU countries, including rising Islamophobia and neo-colonial policies. The MFA argues that the European Commissioner lacks the moral authority to comment on human rights issues in Azerbaijan, given these concerns.

Moreover, Azerbaijan condemns what it sees as efforts to link the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) with politically motivated issues. The MFA urges the European Parliament and the EU to abandon what it calls a unilateral position that undermines peace and stability in the region.