EU, Norway, Romania welcome Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty breakthrough
European Council President Antonio Costa addresses the media during a press conference at the end of a Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
European powers have hailed the conclusion of peace treaty negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a pivotal development for stability in the South Caucasus region.
European Council President Antonio Costa congratulated both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on finalizing the treaty text, calling it “a decisive step towards the full normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the opening of the region.”
In a statement posted on X, Costa urged both nations to move quickly to sign the agreement and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting further peace efforts.
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, describing the treaty as “historic” and emphasizing the importance of swift signing and implementation “to usher in a new era of peace, stability, and regional development.”
Romania’s Foreign Ministry specifically praised the diplomatic work of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, commending their “tireless efforts and courage” in reaching this milestone.
Romanian officials stressed that lasting peace is essential for the region’s stability and prosperity.
The breakthrough comes after decades of tension between the two former Soviet republics dating back to 1991 when Armenian forces occupied Karabakh—a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan—along with seven adjacent regions.
Azerbaijan regained control of most of this territory during a 44-day conflict in fall 2020, which concluded with a Russian-brokered peace agreement. That deal established the foundation for normalization talks and border demarcation discussions.
The peace process reached another significant milestone in September 2023 when Azerbaijan established full sovereignty in Karabakh following the surrender of separatist forces in the region.
While details of the treaty text have not been released, the international community’s positive response signals optimism for a formal end to one of the post-Soviet era’s most persistent territorial disputes.
