Europe accused of going soft on Azerbaijan to avoid buying Russian gas

Subheading 1

Some European governments are accused of turning a blind eye to corruption and human rights violations in Azerbaijan to avoid relying on Russia for natural gas. Authorities in Azerbaijan have recently rounded up journalists and civil society leaders, while influential Europeans attend the inauguration of a pipeline that may secure their energy independence.

Subheading 2

The Azerbaijan government has been accused of numerous human rights violations and corruption, with recent raids on journalists and civil society leaders intensifying concerns from international observers. Despite this, European leaders and businesses have been eager to participate in the inauguration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, a major gas pipeline that carries one billion cubic feet of gas per year, boosting European energy security.

Sub-subheading

While the pipeline stretches from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, its construction was seen as crucial for diverting energy dependence away from Russia. This comes as European countries seek to diversify their energy sources following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Yet, the attendance of European leaders and corporations at the pipeline's inauguration has drawn attention as of late, given the human rights crisis that is unfolding in Azerbaijan.

Subheading 3

With Azerbaijan's growing significance as a gas supplier to Europe, many are concerned that European governments are turning a blind eye to corruption and human rights violations to ensure their energy security. This has given rise to concerns that Europe's quest for energy independence may come at the expense of democratic values and norms.