Strategy and democracy - Azerbaijan and the European neighbourhood policy

In November 2006, Azerbaijan took two important steps in integration towards Europe. Baku and Brussels signed a memorandum on energy partnership as well as an Action Plan as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. President Aliev's regime in Baku pledged itself to democracy and rule of law. There is much to suggest that this was lip service. The European Union's energy policy and security policy interests in a partnership with Azerbaijan are far too big to place at risk because of Azerbaijan domestic policy. Moreover, Baku has an alternative partner in co-operation in Russia, which is even less interested in civil and human rights.