EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, in response to a query by Member of the European Parliament Assita Kanko, mentioned that since the beginning of December 2022, the EU had been closely following the developments around the Lachin Corridor and their humanitarian implications. 

“The EU has called on Azerbaijan to take the measures that are within its jurisdiction to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with its obligations deriving from the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020,” Borrell said. 

“In accordance with the agreement reached in Prague on October 6, 2022, the EU Monitoring Capacity was deployed to Armenia for a maximum of two months and completed its activities on December 19. The EU has started a new phase of engagement with the decision to establish a civilian European Union mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defense Policy in response to Armenia's request. The mission's objective is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU,” the High Commissioner said.

EU chief diplomat highlighted that the sanctions are only one of the EU's tools to promote the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Sanctions are not considered in this case since the EU’s efforts with Armenia and Azerbaijan are focused on achieving solutions through dialogue, to which the leaders of both countries have expressed their commitment. 

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