The European Council president, António Costa, undertook a significant visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the war in Iran. This trip, announced several days prior, aimed to solidify Azerbaijan as a “strategically important partner” for the European Union. The agenda centered on diversifying energy sources and addressing the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Prior to the Baku visit, Costa and Ursula von der Leyen discussed the potential impact of the Iranian conflict on energy security, specifically referencing concerns about attacks on infrastructure and the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz. Azerbaijan itself faced immediate challenges, including drone attacks on Nakhchivan, prompting the European Union to express “full solidarity” and acknowledge assistance in repatriating EU citizens from Iran. Alongside these immediate concerns, the visit coincided with a rare “window of opportunity” in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Both sides welcomed “historic momentum” following the Washington summit of August 2025, emphasizing the EU’s role in supporting agreement implementation and fostering economic interdependence. Azerbaijan voiced reservations regarding the EU-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda, arguing it distorted post-conflict realities. The relationship is rooted in the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, shaped by Azerbaijan’s transit role and hydrocarbon resources.
The European Council approved a negotiating mandate in 2016, and talks began in 2017. A new framework agreement is under discussion, alongside existing dialogue mechanisms like the human rights dialogue. The European Union, since 2022, has significantly increased its engagement with Azerbaijan, exemplified by a “Memorandum of Understanding” to double the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor, aiming for 20 billion cubic metres of gas annually by 2027 – a key element in reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Following the adoption of a regulation banning Russian pipeline gas, the European Council reaffirmed the importance of this partnership, particularly during times of global energy market disruption. The visit underscored Azerbaijan’s role in diversifying European energy supplies, and the ongoing commitment to connectivity, security, and peace.
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António Costa’s visit to Baku underscored the EU’s desire for Azerbaijan to be a key strategic alliance.