Aliyev-Michel meeting shatters Armenian hopes for renewed mediation

President Ilham Aliyev and European Council President Charles Michel held a conversation on the margins of the 4th meeting of the European Political Community in Oxford.

This led some Armenian sources to express optimism about the possible revival of Michel's mediation role in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. However, such hopes are unfounded.

The meeting, initiated by Michel, primarily focused on Azerbaijan-EU relations and broader global agenda issues.

According to diplomatic sources speaking to Caliber.Az, there is no consideration of any mediating role for the EU (or any other entity) in the ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This process remains strictly bilateral, with direct discussions between the two nations.

The 4th European Political Community (EPC) meeting was held at Blenheim Palace in Oxford, UK, with around 47 heads of state and government in attendance.

The leaders discussed ongoing support for Ukraine and addressing shared challenges. The roundtable discussions covered various topics, including migration, energy, connectivity, defence, and the safeguarding of democracy. The European Political Community aims to foster political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of mutual interest and to strengthen the security, stability, and prosperity of the European continent.