EU and Azerbaijan deepen energy security partnership in Bakuremarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

The European Union views Azerbaijan as a key partner in energy diversification, while also pursuing deeper defense and security cooperation. These messages were conveyed during an official visit to Baku on March 11, when the leaders spoke to reporters in a close-format session about the future directions of their cooperation.

«The Republic of Azerbaijan is a key partner of the European Union. Over the past year we have intensified our relations. And today’s meeting is a clear sign of our shared commitment to further cooperation, especially in the areas of security, energy, digital technologies, and transport»

– António Costa
During the joint discussions, emphasis was placed on the desire for closer cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, which they view as a signal of their joint vision for the future of the region and its security.

«We are also looking at ways to deepen our cooperation in the field of defense and security»

– António Costa
Costa expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s role in the safe repatriation of European citizens from Iranian facilities and outlined joint goals in crisis response and regional stability in advance.

Energy security remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. «Exactly four years ago in Versailles, the European Council adopted a decision to diversify our sources of gas, oil, and coal. And Azerbaijan played a central role in these efforts – thanks to the Southern Gas Corridor. And today the impact is evident» – said Costa.

«Exactly four years ago in Versailles, the European Council adopted a decision to diversify our sources of gas, oil, and coal. And Azerbaijan played a central role in these efforts – thanks to the Southern Gas Corridor. And today the impact is evident»

– António Costa
In light of the current challenges in energy markets following events in Iran, the European partner is convinced: the energy partnership with Baku is more critical than ever.

«The EU is ready to mobilize private investments and financing to support Azerbaijan’s energy transition. We also call for greater involvement of European companies that work with clean technologies in your ambitious plans»

– António Costa
Speaking about the transport component, the leaders view the connectivity between the EU and Azerbaijan as extremely important. The development of the Middle Corridor is seen as a strategic opportunity for new routes and easier freight flows between the continents.

«The completion of the Baku-Nakhchivan railway link will be important in this regard»

– António Costa
In conclusion, the President of the European Council emphasized that strengthening trade between Europe and Asia can create new jobs, stimulate growth, and strengthen the economies of both regions.

«By strengthening the resilience of trade between Europe and Asia, we can together create jobs, stimulate growth, and strengthen our economies»

– President of the European Council
Costa highly values progress in the peace process with Armenia, calling it historic. He stressed support for the Washington Agreements and urged continued dialogue and reconciliation in the region.

«The Washington Agreements reflect your commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, and the EU, together with you, supports their full implementation»

– President of the European Council
In the context of regional instability, the EU expressed full solidarity with Azerbaijan and its people and condemned the latest strike by Iran on the Nakhchivan airport as a serious violation of international law. Further steps toward stability and security remain one of the main topics of the talks.

«He strongly condemned the recent strike by Iran on the Nakhchivan airport»

– António Costa
Speaking about the future, the head of the EU stressed that the escalation of conflicts in the region affects not only Baku but also Europe and the world, and this is just one example of global risks that require joint efforts to stabilize.

«Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has been ongoing for five years and remains an existential threat to Europe and a destabilizing force in the world»

– President of the European Council
Given global instability, the head of the EU expressed hope for further strengthening ties with Azerbaijan and announced a summit of the European Political Community to be held in the country in 2028, underscoring the long-term partnership strategy between the EU and Azerbaijan.

«The EU seeks to work with Azerbaijan to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. Your leadership is important, and our partnership is strong. Together we can broaden it even further for the benefit of both our peoples»

– António Costa
Finally, Costa invited President Aliyev to visit Brussels for further meetings and coordination of joint actions in the areas of energy, transport, and security.

According to official data, Azerbaijan intends to increase gas production by 10 billion cubic meters and expand gas exports to European countries in line with joint energy realignments.

Deepening Partnership: Future Steps
Overall, the discussions in Baku indicate a willingness of the EU and Azerbaijan to move further toward stable energy, security, and infrastructure, which should benefit both sides in the long term.
Don’t miss other news:

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opposes transferring frozen EU assets to the US, advocating their use solely to support Ukraine amid ongoing peace talks.
On March 6 2026, Azerbaijan said it thwarted IRGC terrorist plots on its territory, including drone strikes and planned attacks on critical infrastructure, a pipeline, an embassy, and Jewish community targets, signaling rising regional security tensions and ongoing investigations.
Analysis of Fatih Birol’s call for diversifying gas supplies as LNG volumes are set to rise, arguing that dependence on Russia would be economically and politically misguided amid growing LNG inflows and EU price pressures.