An EU report published today sets out the state of play of developments and reforms in Azerbaijan over the past 12 months. The report is released ahead of the upcoming EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council, scheduled for 4 April in Brussels, and gives an overview of the intensified bilateral cooperation in recent months, whereby Partnership Priorities have been endorsed, high-level security and transport dialogues have been launched, and the European Union continues to work with the Azerbaijani authorities to improve human rights and fundamental freedoms. Concluding negotiations for a new comprehensive bilateral EU-Azerbaijan agreement remains a top priority...
High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini, said: “We have stepped up our cooperation with Azerbaijan, which is a key partner in our neighbourhood. The negotiations on a comprehensive new EU-Azerbaijan agreement are entering a decisive phase and we will keep working hard to achieve a modern agreement that addresses all aspects of our relationship, and that benefits citizens from both the European Union and Azerbaijan." Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn said: "The European Union is providing strong support to Azerbaijan's economic diversification and reform efforts, including in the key sectors of education, agriculture and rural development. The Partnership Priorities and the Eastern Partnership 20 deliverables for 2020 are guiding our future cooperation, including stronger people-to-people contacts and support to stronger connectivity, governance and economy in Azerbaijan. The EU will continue engaging with the authorities to support an enabling environment for civil society and the improvement of human rights and fundamental freedoms." The report, a full press release, and a factsheet on EU-Azerbaijan relations are all available online.