The European Parliament considers Karabakh residents refugees, not “runaways:” the head of Euronest

This is an internal matter for Pashinyan and Armenia. That is what Sergey Lagodinsky, the head of Euronest, told Alpha News when asked about Armenian prime minister Pashinyan referring to refugees from Artsakh as “runaways” an act of dehumanization.

“I cannot speak for Pashinyan, but I can speak on behalf of the parliament: we call these people refugees. The parliament’s position on this matter was clearly reflected in previous resolutions,” he said.

Sergey Lagodinsky commented on relations between Azerbaijan and the European Parliament amid debate over Baku’s decision to halt engagement with the parliament, which Azerbaijan considers pro-Armenian. According to him, the break is more formal in nature, as the European Commission continues to develop cooperation with Azerbaijan despite the European Parliament’s recommendations. Lagodinsky stressed that it was the parliament, not the European Commission, that had issued the ultimatum to Baku.

“Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Commission, as Ilham Aliyev himself has openly stated, will not change. Baku is unhappy with the tone and resolutions of the European Parliament, which is why these measures are being directed specifically at the parliament. I do not think the Commission or the Parliament will react to this in any particular way. They are different institutions. I would like the European Commission to speak up more actively in support of the European Parliament and voice our positions. But in this case, the Commission is pursuing its own policy, not that of the parliament, that is how the separation of powers works. We can criticize this, cut certain amounts of funding, but the situation is similar to that in the US: the president says what he sees fit, and Congress can complain. Well, we complain too,” he said.

According to Lagodinsky, Baku’s decision is symbolic in nature, but formal participation in Euronest remains in place.

“In any case, I regret that Azerbaijan has decided to suspend relations with the European Parliament, that was evident during the parliamentary debates as well. Even if we have criticism of Azerbaijan, we firstly cannot simply change our position. The parliament is a pluralistic and democratic body, so neither I nor Roberta Metsola can by sheer will make someone change their opinion or take a different stance. So I think this is more of a symbolic decision by Azerbaijan to express its protest. But it is important to remember that they formally remain participants in Euronest, as there is a transition period, which is one year from the submission of the withdrawal notice until it takes effect. So I hope we will still maintain an exchange of views and, despite the ongoing criticism on our part, continue our cooperation,” Lagodinsky noted.