Roberta Metsola clashes with Azerbaijan’s Aliyev at European summit in Armenia
Roberta Metsola clashes with Azerbaijan’s Aliyev at European summit in Armenia
Roberta Metsola clashes with Azerbaijan s Aliyev – Diplomatic tensions erupted on Monday between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Roberta Metsola, the presiding president of the European Parliament, during a high-level political summit in Yerevan, Armenia. The event, part of the European Political Community (EPC), convened leaders from the European Union, neighboring countries with shared strategic interests, and aspiring member states. Aliyev took to the podium to accuse the European Parliament of “spreading slander and lies” about Azerbaijan, a claim that sparked immediate counterpoints from Metsola, who was granted an impromptu intervention.
The summit, held in the capital of Armenia, served as a platform for fostering dialogue between the country and its regional neighbors. Aliyev, speaking during a prepared statement, emphasized that the European Parliament’s recent actions were undermining the peace process initiated by the United States in late 2025. This agreement, following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, had ended nearly four decades of armed confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, Aliyev argued that the Parliament’s focus on Azerbaijan had become an obstacle to this diplomatic progress.
Earlier in the day, Aliyev had criticized the European Parliament for acting as if it were intent on “sabotage” the peace framework. He highlighted that the Parliament had adopted 14 resolutions targeting Azerbaijan, which he described as “a kind of obsession.” These resolutions, according to Aliyev, were part of a broader effort to align with Armenian interests, often at the expense of Azerbaijani perspectives. The president also announced that his country’s parliament would suspend all cooperation with the European Parliament, a move he framed as a response to repeated criticism.
In a sharp rebuttal, Metsola took the floor to defend the Parliament’s record. “The European Parliament is a directly elected democratic body, with resolutions passed by a majority,” she stated. “We understand that outcomes may be uncomfortable for some, but we will never change the way we work.” Her remarks followed a sudden disruption, as Aliyev’s speech had not been scheduled in advance. European Parliament sources told Euronews that this unplanned address by the Azerbaijani leader prompted Metsola to request a floor to clarify the institution’s stance.
The EPC summit, which brings together nearly 50 European nations, was viewed as a critical opportunity to strengthen ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan. A forthcoming meeting is set to take place in Baku in May 2028, with Aliyev expected to engage with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday. These interactions underscore the EPC’s role in facilitating bilateral negotiations and regional stability.
Aliyev’s criticism came amidst a backdrop of ongoing debates over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The latest European Parliament resolution, adopted last week in Strasbourg, focused on democratic resilience in Armenia and raised concerns about Azerbaijan’s military conduct. It called for the return of Armenians who fled the region in 2023 and condemned the detention of Armenian prisoners of war by Baku as “unjust.” The resolution also urged the “immediate and unconditional release” of these detainees, while emphasizing the need to protect Armenian identity, property, and cultural heritage.
Metsola’s defense of the Parliament’s actions was met with strong opposition from Aliyev’s aides. Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the Azerbaijani president and head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department, called the European Parliament resolution a “diplomatic disgrace and diplomatic failure.” He accused the body of creating barriers to the peace process and questioned its commitment to balanced representation.
Earlier this week, Azerbaijan’s parliament had approved a resolution through a special commission, addressing what it deemed “hostile activities” by the European Parliament. This move followed multiple critical statements from the European Parliament, including previous resolutions that condemned Azerbaijani military operations in the region. The latest parliamentary decision marks a significant escalation in the dispute, with Aliyev signaling a determination to cut ties with the European institution.
Despite the clash, Aliyev praised the European Commission’s efforts in promoting relations with Baku. He noted that Brussels had been actively seeking to deepen bilateral ties, particularly as Azerbaijan remains a key supplier of oil and gas to the EU. The commission’s engagement with the South Caucasus region, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, was highlighted as a strategic initiative to expand economic and political cooperation.
The summit in Yerevan also provided a chance to revisit the broader implications of the peace agreement. While the document marked the end of a protracted conflict, it left unresolved issues over territorial control and minority rights. The European Parliament’s resolutions have consistently raised these concerns, with a particular focus on the treatment of Armenians in the region. Aliyev, however, argued that these critiques overlooked Azerbaijan’s contributions to stabilizing the region and securing its borders.
European diplomats acknowledged the intensity of the exchange but stressed that the summit’s primary goal was to foster dialogue rather than escalate disputes. “This is a natural part of the process,” one official said, “as differing perspectives often surface when discussing complex issues like territorial disputes and minority rights.” The EPC’s role in bridging gaps between nations was underscored, even as tensions flared over the Parliament’s influence on regional politics.
Metsola’s intervention, which followed Aliyev’s unscheduled remarks, was seen as a pivotal moment. She emphasized the Parliament’s independence and its role in holding governments accountable. “Our resolutions reflect the will of the people we represent,” she said, “and we will not back down from advocating for their interests, even if it causes discomfort.” Her words were echoed by members of the Parliament, who defended the body’s decision to prioritize transparency and democratic principles over short-term political convenience.
The clash between Aliyev and Metsola highlights the growing divide over how the European Parliament perceives its role in the South Caucasus. While Aliyev criticized the body for its “obsession” with Azerbaijan, Metsola stood firm, arguing that the Parliament’s focus on democratic values was essential to ensuring long-term stability. The summit in Yerevan, therefore, became more than a diplomatic event—it was a battleground for contrasting visions of regional governance.
Looking ahead, the EPC summit in Baku is anticipated to be a turning point. With Aliyev set to meet with EU officials, the discussions will likely center on restoring cooperation and addressing the grievances raised by the European Parliament. However, the fallout from Monday’s exchange may prolong the tensions, as both sides prepare to defend their positions in the upcoming negotiations.
For now, the summit in Armenia has left the European Political Community with a mixed legacy. While it succeeded in bringing leaders together, the sharp confrontation between Aliyev and Metsola has exposed deep ideological divides. The European Parliament’s insistence on its democratic mandate appears to clash with Azerbaijan’s desire for pragmatic diplomacy. As the EPC continues its mission, the question remains: can these differences be reconciled, or will they deepen the rift between the two entities?
