EU will continue financial and political support of civil society and human rights activists in Azerbaijan

(Interview of Christian Danielsson,  Director General  for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations in the European Commission with Turan news agency)

Question: EU is the largest donor in Azerbaijan. How efficiently has the financial assistance given to the country been used?

Answer: With close to € 200 million of EU funding over the period 2007-2016, the EU is the largest foreign donor in Azerbaijan. This grant support has benefited both government and civil society and has been a key element of our dialogue and cooperation. EU support targeted the development of the country’s economy, as well as institutional and regulatory reform. WE have also cooperated in key aspects of institution building. Let me highlight in particular our action in favour of regional and rural development; we have helped to increase agricultural productivity in the regions and we worked with women on economic development. We also supported government’s efforts towards the diversification of the economy promoting sustainable and inclusive growth,  and allowing harmonisation with international practices and EU standards. We have also worked in the justice sector which is key for the consolidation of rule of law and for a business environment favouring investment and employment. But I would like to stress our engagement in education which has focused on enhancing the quality of the education system and the development of skills which are key for your economy. This cooperation has been a response to clear needs of the country and has achieved very concrete results for the citizens.

Question: Which areas of cooperation are more successful and where expectations have not been met?

Answer: We have achieved good results in many areas. Let me recall that in the early period of our cooperation, the European Union had helped Azerbaijan to ensure food security and improve food safety for the population; we have jointly with our Azerbaijani partners piloted renewable energy and worked on energy efficiency projects. We have also supported the development of the Academy of Justice and improved management in regional courts. Our continued support to education and economic development, which is aligned with the government's agenda for economic diversification, has already started deliver concrete results for instance in the area of vocational education. For instance last year, we helped to establish over 30 small businesses in 20 local communities, more than 2000 farmers have received training on economic and business skills and we have also helped training close to 150 labour inspectors on occupational health and safety.  

As we enter a new era in our bilateral relations, I am sure that we can achieve much more together. For instance  we can share with our partners in Azerbaijan the transformational experience for societies and economies in the EU, particularly in the new member states of Central Europe, but also we can cooperate to address together global challenges  in areas such as security, migration and economic development. I hope also we can cooperate much more in investments, for instance in transport connectivity.

Question: Can the EU render a technical aid to Azerbaijan for implementation of economic and political reforms?

Answer:  The EU is both the biggest trade partner of Azerbaijan (representing over half of total trade –), and is also the biggest investor in the country. There are about 300 EU companies present in Azerbaijan, representing an important source of foreign direct investment. Therefore we have a joint interest in cooperating and we already do so extensively. We have set up at least 45 twinning arrangements between Azerbaijan and partner institutions from EU member states which aim precisely to support the country in the introduction of economic and legal reforms. our actions in favour of economic diversification focus on enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium sized businesses, as well as on improving the business environment. This will also be key for enhancing the country's export potential including in the agricultural and food sector. 

The EU is also planning to help the country further develop its strategic approach to connectivity in energy and transport. We are also working closely with other international organisations on economic and political reforms, such as OECD/SIGMA in areas such as SME-related reforms and public administration and of course the Council of Europe. As we are now shaping our partnership for the next period, I am certain that EU support and our policy dialogue can have an important role to play in the implementation of reforms in Azerbaijan. 

Question:  Will the EU support independent NGOs, namely those whose activities are paralyzed at the moment as a result of the actions of the Azerbaijani authorities?

Answer: First of all, it is important to note that a vibrant civil society is key for economic, social and cultural development. This applies not only to Azerbaijan but to the EU as well. The EU will continue to use all instruments at its disposal, be they financial or political, to support a broad array of civil society and human rights activists in the country. We are at the same time continuing our work and dialogue with Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that the legal framework for the functioning of NGOs, and its application, are as inclusive as possible. -06B-