EU moves closer to Middle Corridor projects, prioritises Nakhchivan railway

The European Union considers the development of the railway network in Nakhchivan a strategic priority that can transform geopolitical interests into practical infrastructure projects and lay the groundwork for long-term peace and economic growth in the South Caucasus.

An official representative of the European Commission told domestic media that the initiative complements the TRIPP project, known as the “Trump Route,” which is being implemented by the US and is designed to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia.

“Together with Azerbaijan, we share an ambitious vision of transport connectivity that strengthens peace and stability, modernises infrastructure, and unlocks the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route (the Middle Corridor),” the European Commission said.

Brussels pointed to the recent agreement between the EU, Azerbaijan, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on preparing a feasibility study for the Nakhchivan railway as a concrete example of this cooperation in action.

According to the source, the railway project is viewed as a crucial investment aimed at improving mobility and stimulating economic flows not only within Azerbaijan but throughout the broader region. The project is an integral component of the Middle Corridor, which has a target transit time of 15 days between Europe and Central Asia.

“Alongside investments in ‘hard’ infrastructure, we will also support the development of ‘soft’ infrastructure and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks in line with the connectivity agenda of the EU and its partners,” the Commission representative added.

In informal conversations, EU officials involved in regional connectivity initiatives expressed hope that the feasibility study would be completed as soon as possible. They said this would enable substantive negotiations on the potential involvement of the EU as an investor in the project.

“The European Union does not want to remain on the sidelines of regional projects that directly affect its economy. After all, the Trans-Caspian route, also known as the Middle Corridor, enters the EU in its western section. The bloc is interested both in expanding it and in rapidly bringing new capacity online,” the sources emphasised.

Officials noted that efforts in this area are continuing actively, even if they are not always highly visible. In particular, the current visit of European Commissioner Marta Kos to Ankara is aimed, among other objectives, at strengthening energy and transport links with Türkiye, which is a key connecting hub of the Middle Corridor.

By Tamilla Hasanova