Azerbaijan is weighing a full withdrawal from the Council of Europe, according to President Ilham Aliyev. The potential exit follows a 2024 decision by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to strip the Azerbaijani delegation of its voting rights. While Baku considers severing ties with the 46-member organization, Aliyev maintains that diplomatic relations with the European Union remain robust and active.
Diplomatic Friction with the Council of Europe
The tension between Baku and the Council of Europe centers on the loss of voting privileges. President Aliyev addressed this during the fourth Shusha Global Media Forum, stating that the government is evaluating a permanent departure rather than a temporary suspension. He characterized the PACE decision as “unfair” and stated that the organization must admit to this “mistake” and restore the delegation’s rights as a prerequisite for any further cooperation.
Despite the rhetoric, the situation remains fluid. Aliyev confirmed that the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe has reached out to initiate dialogue aimed at retaining Azerbaijan’s membership. For now, the administration in Baku asserts that its past actions were correct and that it has no interest in escalating conflicts.
Did you know?
The Council of Europe is a distinct entity from the European Union. The Council of Europe is an international organization with 46 member states.
Strategic Alignment with the European Union
While the relationship with the Council of Europe is strained, Azerbaijan continues to prioritize its partnership with the European Union. President Aliyev cited frequent high-level diplomatic visits as evidence of this stability. Recent engagement has included interactions with key EU figures such as Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, and António Costa.
This dual approach—challenging the Council of Europe while courting the EU—reflects Azerbaijan’s efforts to navigate complex Western political structures.
Regional Stability and International Law
Beyond European relations, President Aliyev has called for a de-escalation of violence in the Middle East. He argues that any resolution to current hostilities must be grounded in international law rather than the specific political ambitions of individual leaders. He urged neighboring states to exercise restraint and prioritize the normalization of diplomatic ties to ensure long-term regional security.
Pro Tip: When analyzing geopolitical shifts in the Caucasus, look for the distinction between institutional membership (like the Council of Europe) and bilateral economic or strategic partnerships (like those with the EU). These often move on separate, non-aligned tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Council of Europe strip Azerbaijan of its voting rights?
In 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decided to remove the voting rights of the Azerbaijani delegation, a move President Aliyev has publicly contested as unjust.
Is Azerbaijan leaving the European Union?
No. President Aliyev has emphasized that diplomatic ties with the EU remain strong and active.
What is the status of Azerbaijan’s membership in the Council of Europe?
The government is currently considering a full withdrawal from the 46-member organization, though discussions with the Council’s Secretary-General regarding a potential resolution are ongoing.
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