European Parliament backs safe, unimpeded, and dignified return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians

By Lusine Vardanyan

The European Parliament has condemned the “unjust detention” of Armenian prisoners of war, detainees, and hostages in Azerbaijan, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. On Thursday, the Parliament adopted a resolution addressing the rights of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh (476 in favor, 47 against, 48 abstentions). 

The Parliament also reaffirmed its support for the right of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to a safe, unimpeded, and dignified return, including the protection of their identity, property, and cultural heritage.

It further called for accountability for the destruction of cultural and religious heritage and urged the implementation of an international assessment mission. 

The Parliament expressed support for Armenia’s efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and the full normalization of relations with Azerbaijan, stating that “any lasting peace must be based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.”

Transit links through Armenia were described as a tool to reduce economic dependence on Russia, while respecting Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction.

This is not the first resolution by the European Parliament supporting Armenia and the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2025, it adopted a resolution on Armenian prisoners held in Baku, condemning their inhumane treatment and demanding their immediate release.

In 2024, the Parliament passed a resolution addressing ongoing pressure on civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, which also mentioned the immediate release of 23 Armenian detainees at the time.

Overall, the European Parliament remains the only EU institution that continues to actively highlight the issues of Armenian detainees and the return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, often taking a tougher stance toward Azerbaijan. 

However, European Parliament resolutions are not legally binding. They reflect the institution’s political position but can carry political weight and help shape EU policy direction. 

Azerbaijan has responded by warning it may formally suspend relations with the European Parliament, citing what it called the body’s “biased position.”