FRançois-Xavier Bellamy, MEP, strongly denounces the organization of the Climate Conference in Baku. He points the finger at the actions of Aliyev’s Azerbaijani regime: assassination of opponents on French territory, destabilization attempts in New Caledonia… European passivity in the face of a country that carried out ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and now threatens Armenia is calling. The elected LR calls for sanctions and the suspension of the gas agreement signed by Ursula von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission with Baku. This energy dependence weakens Europe, not to mention the evasion of energy sanctions organized between Russia and Azerbaijan. For François-Xavier Bellamy, this COP29 represents an unacceptable guarantee…
Interview: François-Xavier Bellamy on the Implications of the Climate Conference in Baku
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, MEP François-Xavier Bellamy. Recently, you voiced strong concerns regarding the organization of the Climate Conference in Baku. Can you explain your primary objections?
François-Xavier Bellamy: Thank you for having me. My primary objection is centered on the actions of the Azerbaijani regime under President Aliyev, which has been marked by severe human rights violations. The assassination of opponents on foreign soil, particularly in France, is unacceptable. Additionally, their attempts to destabilize regions like New Caledonia and the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh raise serious questions about our collaboration with them at a platform meant for global cooperation on climate change.
Editor: You mentioned European passivity in the face of these issues. What do you believe should be the response from Europe?
François-Xavier Bellamy: Europe must take a firm stance against these violations. This includes implementing sanctions against Azerbaijan and reconsidering the gas agreement that President Ursula von der Leyen signed. This dependency on Azerbaijani gas only serves to weaken Europe, especially when we know there are organized evasions of energy sanctions involving both Russia and Azerbaijan.
Editor: In your view, how does this energy dependence impact Europe’s climate goals?
François-Xavier Bellamy: Energy dependence on regimes that disregard human rights directly contradicts our climate goals. If we continue to engage with such countries, we compromise our integrity and the ideals we aim to uphold at conferences like COP29. Instead of promoting sustainable practices, we risk supporting regimes that prioritize power over environmental stewardship.
Editor: What implications do you foresee if the current trajectory continues regarding Europe’s energy strategy?
François-Xavier Bellamy: If we maintain our current energy strategy, we are likely to face increased instability within our region. Additionally, a continued reliance on authoritarian regimes will undermine our collective efforts to address climate change effectively. We must pivot towards sustainable, ethical energy sources to ensure both our security and our climate objectives.
Editor: For our readers who want to engage in this conversation, what practical steps can they take?
François-Xavier Bellamy: I encourage readers to educate themselves about the sources of their energy and advocate for greater transparency in our energy agreements. Engaging with local policymakers to push for sanctions and sustainable energy initiatives can amplify our collective voice. Moreover, participating in public discussions about the implications of international partnerships on climate efforts can help hold leaders accountable.
Editor: Thank you, MEP Bellamy, for your insights. It’s crucial for our readers to understand the interplay between energy politics and climate action, especially in this complex geopolitical landscape.
François-Xavier Bellamy: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue this dialogue for the sake of our future and that of the planet.
