Jasenko Selimovic (ALDE), in writing. – Enabling Azerbaijan to participate in certain European programmes is important in order to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and Eastern Partnership. Azerbaijan’s neighbours have concluded such Protocols and it is important to do it with Azerbaijan as well.

Azerbaijan is an important energy partner for the EU. Hence, EU-Azerbaijan relations should not be restricted to energy security. This partnership has to be based on the context of all aspects of cooperation envisaged in the framework of the Eastern Partnership. At a time when the EU’s future is threatened, it is important to maintain partnership with eastern European counties in order to preserve stability in the region as well as to help promote democratic values. I am convinced that this agreement will promote the EUs’ relations with Azerbaijan and help the country deal with its increasing difficulties which their civil society actors and organisations face.