**Azerbaijan Considers Full Withdrawal from Council of Europe, President Aliyev States**
Baku, Azerbaijan – President Ilham Aliyev announced on July 13, 2026, that Azerbaijan is contemplating a complete withdrawal from the Council of Europe, a 46-member organization, following the suspension of its voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in 2024.
In his opening remarks at the fourth Shusha Global Media Forum, Aliyev expressed his discontent with the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe. He stated, “I say openly that Azerbaijan is considering full withdrawal from the organisation," emphasizing that the decision would not be limited to merely suspending or freezing its membership.
The suspension of Azerbaijan's voting rights in PACE has been a significant point of contention for the Azerbaijani government. Aliyev described the situation as "regrettable," recalling his long-standing involvement with the assembly, having led Azerbaijan’s delegation since 2001. He asserted that Azerbaijan has no desire to escalate tensions with the Council of Europe.
During his address, Aliyev revealed that the Secretary General of the Council of Europe had reached out to him, urging Azerbaijan to reconsider its stance and seek ways to improve relations. Despite this outreach, Aliyev maintained that the restoration of voting rights for Azerbaijan's delegation is crucial for any potential return to the assembly. “They must restore the voting rights of our delegation. After that, the Azerbaijani delegation will return,” he stated.
Aliyev further criticized the decision to suspend Azerbaijan’s voting rights, claiming it was unjust and that the Council of Europe must acknowledge its mistakes. He has voiced concerns about the situation on multiple occasions, indicating a strong desire for a resolution that would allow Azerbaijan to maintain its membership in the organization.
As this situation continues to develop, the implications of Azerbaijan's potential withdrawal from the Council of Europe could have significant ramifications for its international relations and diplomatic standing within Europe. The government has yet to outline specific next steps or a timeline for any potential withdrawal, leaving the future of Azerbaijan's relationship with the Council of Europe uncertain.
This story is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the situation evolves.