Phrases like “an explosive song”, a singer “who stormed the stage”, an event opening “with a bang” are several clichéd phrases, often used in relation to the Eurovision Song Contest. This year in Baku, Azerbaijan they were almost given a tragic meaning.

Two days ago, the security forces in Baku revealed they had detained 40 people over a terrorist plot meant to target the song contest and the major hotels where foreign visitors were staying.

They gave details of weapons and armoury that had been seized: assault rifles, a machine gun, hand grenades and several kilos of explosives.

Nor were the arrests smooth. Apart from a plotter, a security agent and an ordinary citizen died in the process.

The security forces said the plot had been kept secret in order not to disrupt the festival. They also revealed that other plots had been in the offing in April. As recently as last March, the National Security Ministry had announced the arrest of over 20 people in relation to a series of other planned terror attacks, targeting the Israeli and US embassies as well as private companies with a western connection.

The news managed to simultaneously shock me but at the same time did not come as a surprise. It’s not that puzzling to understand and has to do with two different personal experiences.

I have attended the Eurovision Song Contest myself, way back in 2005. I went to Kiev together with my wife and daughter to wave the flag for Chiara. I remember the excitement and good fun. Now I imagine how this could have so sharply turned to tragedy and ruined lives. The shock is all the greater because I can identify with the people who love to attend such festivals.

On the other hand, back in 2002, I had visited Azerbaijan. The reason behind the visit, 10 years ago to the day, was a Council of Europe conference related to the legal aspects of the Caspian Sea and oil.

In Baku, life appeared pleasant and fashion shops abounded, sandwiched between Soviet-era buildings and new development. The streets were safe but unemployment was rife. Taxes were virtually paid only by the international companies, hotels and fast food industry, a sign that was not as good as it first appears.

It actually meant that there was a large private sector that was uncontrollable. Or that, at least, there was no will to control it. There was a conspicuous disparity between the rich and the poor. Although there was a growing middle class, it was broadly hinted to me that there was widespread corruption and that most commerce was in the hands of some three dozen leading families.

Then there was a major, very ambitious project with BP at the helm. The plan was to run a pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. I remember wondering what Azerbaijan’s powerful neighbour, Iran, would make of that. The pipeline would make a difference not only to Azerbaijan’s coffers but would affect the clout of other oil and gas exporters.

I aired my views with the son of the Azeri President. He was hosting a dinner in our honour at one of the stopovers of the ancient silk road. He made a gesture that I interpreted to mean we shall see when the time comes.

Not coincidentally, this week’s announcement about the foiled terror plot was linked to groups with connections to both Al Qaeda and Iran. Indeed, religious leaders of the latter condemned the very song contest itself as unislamic. Perhaps the real reason is that Azerbaijan is a strong ally of western anti-terrorist activity. Officially, the government blamed outsiders who wanted to wreak havoc within the country. Perhaps it is exactly like that. However, in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest there were other reports.

On the plus side, there were details about the enthusiasm and seriousness with which the country was hosting the event. A thousand London cabs were even bought and repainted purple, apparently to give Baku the feel of a European city.

The images of Baku were unbelievable. In the 10 years since I had visited the city oil had transformed this capital into a showpiece of wealth. I do not know if the outskirts of Baku have also changed. I remember that when I was driven to see one of the few remaining temples to Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion based on the worship of fire, we passed through one of the worst environmental disasters I have ever seen. Thousands of abandoned oil extractors, enormous areas black in colour as a result of oil seeping to the surface. It was a scene from Dante’s Inferno.

On the negative side, there were reports of protests against the lack of democracy in the country. The authorities were accused by human rights organisations of trampling over free speech and arresting political opponents. More than 30 people were detained when they demonstrated in favour of freedom for political prisoners. Another demonstration was silent and placard-free but with the marchers wearing T-shirts that said: “Sing for Democracy”.

In short, the country may have been targeted by foreign powers but internally there are all the ingredients that could further destabilise the country: repression and authoritarianism.

Maybe what this year’s Eurovision Song Contest tells us is that what is needed is another “Eurovision”. A vision based on European values developed in tandem with the US and other like-minded countries. A vision that encourages the rule of law, democracy and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights in countries like Azerbaijan and other allies necessary for the security and energy interests of regions sharing the same values.

Dr Attard Montalto is a Labour member of the European Parliament.