A debate took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the need to strengthen ties between the EU and Armenia and the need to conclude a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Speaking on behalf of the ECR Group were PiS MEPs Anna Fotyga and Kosma Złotowski.
Anna Fotyga noted that we are currently witnessing a shift in the dynamics of relations between the European Union and Armenia. “I am watching with great hope the cautious steps taken by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which were also evident during his speech at the European Parliament. I hope that these steps will also lead to a thaw in relations between Armenia and the Russian Federation, especially during this period of Russia’s aggressive war,” the MEP stated. She added, however, that this requires an agreement between the feuding countries and nations—Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Polish politician noted that any signs of agreement—such as the exchange of prisoners of war or Armenia’s support for Azerbaijan’s bid to host COP29—are positive. The MEP noted, however, that growing hopes for an agreement are accompanied by concerns, as evidenced by recent clashes along the border. “Greater commitment is needed to ultimately bring about a just peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” appealed the former head of Polish diplomacy.
Kosma Złotowski stated that “war is always proof of the failure of diplomacy, for which civilians pay the highest price,” and that even a small armed conflict with a limited territorial scope has consequences for the entire world.
“Today, when a true aggressor stands at Europe’s gates, seeking to bring about chaos and destruction, we should demonstrate that even the most difficult disputes can be resolved through dialogue,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Złotowski noted that specific solutions should not be imposed on partners in Armenia and Azerbaijan, but rather they should be encouraged to seek an agreement. “If we can help, we will help; if we can advise, we will advise. However, we have no right to pass judgment or point fingers at who is to blame, because Europe itself has too much on its conscience to be a credible arbiter in any dispute,” the MEP stated. As Złotowski noted, Russia feeds off conflicts in its neighborhood, stoking them, manipulating them, and exploiting them for its own purposes. “Let’s not give it that opportunity!” the politician urged.
