Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union have entered a dynamic development phase in recent years. As emphasized by President Ilham Aliyev, the parties are in an active partnership phase at various levels. Frequent visits of European Commission members to Azerbaijan and the intensification of political dialogue indicate that this cooperation has acquired an institutional character. Economic indicators also confirm the strategic nature of these relations. The fact that approximately 50 percent of Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover in January of the current year was with the European Union shows that the EU is our country's main trade partner.
This creates a serious foundation for the implementation of new investment projects and the increase of mutual investments in the future. One of the main directions of Azerbaijan–European Union cooperation is the energy sector. The Strategic Partnership in Energy document signed between Azerbaijan and the European Commission in 2022 has enabled further expansion of relations in this area. Currently, 10 EU member states import Azerbaijani gas, and a total of 16 countries use Azerbaijani gas. This indicator confirms that Azerbaijan is one of the main countries exporting gas via pipelines. Thus, Azerbaijan acts as an important partner in ensuring Europe's energy security.
According to Mr. President's statement, gas production will further increase with the commencement of production from new fields within the next two to three years, and it will be possible to export at least an additional 10 billion cubic meters of gas to the existing volume. This will further strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the European market. Another important direction of energy cooperation is the renewable energy sector. Azerbaijan has been making significant investments in wind, solar, and hydropower projects in recent years.
The country's geographical and climatic features create great potential in this area. As noted by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's plan is to have an export-ready renewable energy potential of 6–8 gigawatts within the next 5–6 years. This can ensure Azerbaijan's access to the European market not only with hydrocarbon resources but also with “green energy.” Work on transmission lines, subsea cables, and other energy infrastructure projects in this direction can transform Azerbaijan into one of the region's energy hubs. One of the notable points in our head of state's speech was related to the expansion of transport and logistics opportunities in the region.
Following the initialing of a peace agreement with Armenia, the opening of new economic and transport opportunities in the region has come to the fore. The expansion of the Middle Corridor holds strategic importance for both Azerbaijan and Europe. This route is increasingly playing a larger role as an alternative and shorter transport line between Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan's position as a key transit country in this corridor further enhances its geo-economic importance.
The process of normalizing relations with Armenia also occupies an important place in President Ilham Aliyev's statement. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan has been living in peace for only seven months, and its positive results are already being felt. Azerbaijan's commencement of oil product supplies to Armenia and the removal of restrictions on the transit of goods from other countries to Armenia demonstrate Baku's commitment to peace through concrete steps. This approach serves to foster economic cooperation and mutual trust in the region.
The views expressed by President Ilham Aliyev during the visit of the President of the European Council, António Costa, indicate that Azerbaijan–European Union relations have entered a strategic cooperation phase. Directions such as energy security, renewable energy, trade, transport, and regional peace constitute the main pillars of this cooperation. The current dynamic shows that Azerbaijan is further strengthening its position as one of the countries playing a significant role in both Europe's energy security and the formation of new economic and transport projects in the Eurasian space.
Tahir Mirkişili
Member of the Milli Majlis
