Caspian-to-Europe energy links gain momentum, Azerbaijani official says

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev has said that the development of energy corridors from the Caspian Sea via the Black Sea to Europe opens new prospects for cooperation.

Speaking at an event marking Europe Day, he noted that renewable energy has become a particularly important area within cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

According to Rafiyev, Azerbaijani natural gas is currently supplied to 16 countries, including 10 EU member states. In 2025, around 13 billion cubic metres of Azerbaijani gas were exported to Europe. He added that the start of supplies to Austria and Germany this year further confirms Azerbaijan’s role as an important partner in diversifying Europe’s energy supply.

“At the same time, our cooperation is not limited to the export of natural gas. In the future, cooperation in renewable energy and green technologies will gain particular importance. The development of energy corridors from the Caspian region via the Black Sea to Europe opens new prospects,” he said.

He also stressed that transport connectivity remains a key area of cooperation, noting that Azerbaijan’s geostrategic position has turned transport corridors into an effective tool for cooperation and development.

In this context, he highlighted the Middle Corridor, the Baku Port, and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, as well as future projects, including routes linked to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. According to him, these initiatives will strengthen the region’s role as a link between Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and other regions.

Rafiyev also emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at sustainable development, regional stability, and connectivity.

In conclusion, he underlined the significance of completing negotiations on new partnership priorities and a new bilateral agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union, which are expected to establish a modern, balanced, and forward-looking framework for cooperation.

By Vafa Guliyeva