Participation of Azerbaijan in Union programmes (A8-0210/2016 - Norica Nicolai)
Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), in writing. ‒ I voted to support this measure to lay down financial and technical rules in regard to the participation of Azerbaijan in certain EU programmes. This is a very important step as Azerbaijan is an important partner to the EU in several key areas including regional security and energy. This agreement will also mean increased EU influence in the country, which means that we would be in a better position to influence the country and its process towards rule of law, democracy and fundamental freedoms.