Munich – Caviar diplomacy on trial: film screening and public debate

15 January 2025
Astor Cinema Lounge, Bayerischer Hof. Photo: ESI
Astor Cinema Lounge, Bayerischer Hof. Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke at a public event in Munich on Azerbaijan’s “caviar diplomacy” in European countries. The event was held on the eve of the corruption trial against Eduard Lintner and Axel E. Fischer and started with the screening of the documentary "Am Abgrund" ("On the brink") by Daniel Harrich (SWR/ARD), highlighting corruption and manipulation in the Council of Europe. 

The film was followed by a panel discussion with Frank Schwabe (MP), Gerald Knaus, and Daniel Harrich (diwafilm GmbH), moderated by Thomas Kirchner (Süddeutsche Zeitung).

Gerald described Azerbaijan’s campaign of “caviar diplomacy” in the Council of Europe, i.e. the use of bribes, lavish gifts and expensive hospitality, such as offering caviar and other luxury items, to sway foreign diplomats, politicians, and influential figures. The purpose of caviar diplomacy was (and is) to soften criticism of Azerbaijan’s human rights record, its undemocratic elections, or to gain favourable votes and statements in international forums. This strategy is aimed at undermining the integrity and impartiality of the Council of Europe.

Gerald warned that not all politicians in the West understood the fragility of Western democracies and the efforts of other states like Russia to undermine them with the help of corruption.

Gerald Knaus and Frank Schwabe. Video: ESI
Photo: ESI
Photo: ESI