Relations between Azerbaijan and Italy have long transcended the classic diplomatic framework, becoming one of the most stable and functional strategic partnership models formed along the Europe-South Caucasus line. The foundation of these relations is not based on political statements, but on concrete economic and energy projects.
The “hard core” of energy partnership
Today, energy is at the center of Azerbaijan-Italy relations, and this is no coincidence. Italy is Azerbaijan's largest energy partner in Europe. According to statistics, approximately 17 percent of the oil consumed in Italy is of Azerbaijani origin.
In addition, the Southern Gas Corridor and TAP project, one of its main segments, in addition to its economic orientation, is also an important element of Europe's energy security architecture. The export of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via this route serves both Italy's energy diversification and the EU's strategy to reduce its dependence on Russia.
In other words, the Baku-Rome line has become a mechanism that plays a strategic role in the European energy balance.
What do the numbers say?
Economic indicators clearly reveal the scale of this partnership.
In 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries exceeded 11.3 billion dollars. This accounts for 85 percent of Italy's trade with the South Caucasus. Italy's share in Azerbaijan's foreign trade reaches 24 percent.
These figures show that Italy is Azerbaijan's main economic “gateway”, especially in the European direction.
Political will, strategic documents and leader diplomacy
Political will has played a decisive role in bringing relations between the two countries to this level. The strategic partnership document signed in 2014 and joint statements adopted in subsequent years formed the institutional basis of cooperation.
Later, in 2020, the document on “strengthening multi-dimensional strategic partnership” brought these relations to a new stage.
These documents indicate one thing: Azerbaijan-Italy relations are far from situational, they are built on a long-term strategic plan.
Italian companies, real carriers of economic integration
One of the main factors showing the depth of relations is the activity of Italian companies in Azerbaijan. Large companies such as “ENI”, “Saipem”, “Bonatti” have implemented contracts worth billions of euros in energy and infrastructure projects.
It is clear that the issue has moved beyond import-export relations and entered the phase of real investment and technological transfer processes. At the same time, SOCAR's activation in the Italian market, especially its entry into the downstream sector, indicates that relations have taken on a “two-way” character.
New stage, post-energy cooperation
A notable point in recent years is that cooperation is not limited to energy. There are extensive packages of memoranda in the field of education, such as the Italy-Azerbaijan University project, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, space, defense and industry. This trend shows that the partnership is transforming from a “resource-based model” to a “knowledge and technology-based model”.
Geopolitical outcome, European platform for Azerbaijan
Italy is also one of the important political pillars for Azerbaijan within the European Union. Historically, Rome has maintained a balanced and pragmatic position in cooperation with Baku. Today, Italy effectively plays the role of a “gateway country” in Azerbaijan's integration into the European energy market.
Now, Azerbaijan-Italy relations differ from the classic bilateral cooperation model. This partnership is built on energy security, yields concrete economic results, is strengthened by political documents, and is increasingly multi-faceted.
For this reason, it would not be correct to evaluate these relations as a “strategic partnership”; it seems more appropriate to characterize them as a “functional alliance model”. If the existing dynamic is maintained, the Azerbaijan-Italy line could become one of the main pillars of integration with Europe in the coming years.
Elnur AMIROV
