1. The European Union takes note of the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 22 February 2023, indicating that Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.
2. The EU remains concerned about the obstructions that continue to be in place in the Lachin corridor and the resulting humanitarian implications for the local civilian population. All concerns of Azerbaijan about the usage of the corridor can and should be addressed exclusively through dialogue.
3. The EU reiterates its call on the Azerbaijani authorities, and all those responsible, to guarantee the freedom and safety of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with the commitments undertaken under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. We also underscore the vital need to ensure uninterrupted supplies of gas, electricity and other services to the affected population.
4. The EU remains engaged, including at the highest level, to support efforts towards strengthening peace and security in the South Caucasus.
The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, ALBANIA*, and BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, as well as ANDORRA, and SAN MARINO align themselves with this statement.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.