Kos: EU plans deeper cooperation with South Caucasus, Türkiye

The European Union is seeking to deepen cooperation with countries in the South Caucasus and Türkiye as part of a new Black Sea strategy focused on strengthening transport and energy links, European Commissioner Marta Kos said.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, she noted that the initiative places particular emphasis on improving connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Kos explained that the strategy includes a connectivity agenda designed to enhance cooperation with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, with the aim of strengthening links between Europe and Central Asia. She noted that the focus is primarily on expanding trade corridors and energy routes.

According to the commissioner, recent geopolitical developments have exposed vulnerabilities in existing supply chains. She pointed out that northern trade routes have been disrupted due to Russia’s actions, while southern routes have been affected by tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran. In this context, she said the EU is prioritising alternative routes under the connectivity agenda.

Kos added that EU foreign ministers would use the Luxembourg meeting to discuss next steps for engaging more closely with South Caucasus partners. She indicated that the bloc already has a number of concrete projects in place with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye that could be further developed as part of this strategy.

By Sabina Mammadli