The European Union is aware of the efforts made to have the elections better organised and of the amendments to the electoral code, reflecting some recommendations by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Venice Commission. The European Union nevertheless notes that the elections still do not satisfy international standards of democracy, particularly as regards the organisation of public debate, the conduct of polling and the counting of votes.

The European Union urges the Azerbaijani authorities to continue their efforts to honour their international commitments regarding democratic pluralism and media freedom. It reaffirms its willingness to continue its support for the development of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, under the European neighbourhood policy.

"The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process."

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