Azerbaijan emerges as key player in enhancing Europe’s energy security, expert says

Azerbaijan is solidifying its strategic role in bolstering Europe’s energy security, Strahinja Obrenovic, an expert in energy law and policy said.

Speaking to local media, Obrenovic highlighted Azerbaijan’s expanding influence as a crucial supplier of natural gas to multiple European countries amid ongoing efforts by the European Union to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian imports, Caliber.Az reports.

Obrenovic pointed to the recent launch of the interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria as a landmark achievement that enables the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to the region. This infrastructure milestone introduces a vital alternative supply route alongside existing Russian gas imports, enhancing energy security for both Serbia and Bulgaria.

“The establishment and expansion of gas transmission infrastructure, coupled with the signing of bilateral agreements, are essential for deepening energy cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan,” Obrenovic explained. He emphasized that Serbia, like many other European nations, faces the challenge of aging energy infrastructure, much of which dates back several decades. This reality further amplifies the significance of joint infrastructure projects between the two countries.

The expert also revealed plans between Baku and Belgrade aiming to increase Azerbaijani gas deliveries to Serbia to 1 billion cubic metres annually. However, he noted that the realization of this goal hinges on the continued development of reliable transmission networks.

“Azerbaijan’s role in reinforcing energy security is growing steadily, especially for South-Eastern Europe,” Obrenovic said. “In a complex geopolitical environment, diversified and additional gas supplies contribute to greater stability and reliability.”

He attributed these shifts to a reassessment of traditional energy cooperation models following escalating tensions between the European Union and Russia. 

By Vafa Guliyeva