The European Union is set to bolster Azerbaijan’s infrastructure with a significant financial injection. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed up to €200 million in grants aimed at enhancing the nation’s transport, energy, and digital sectors. This funding could potentially mobilize up to €2 billion in additional public and private investments. The announcement was made during her visit to Baku, where she met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss a range of topics including energy cooperation, regional connectivity, and the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
A key highlight of the discussions was the proposal for a new EU-Azerbaijan connectivity partnership. This initiative seeks to deepen the relationship between the EU and Azerbaijan and strengthen ties in various sectors. President Aliyev noted that since the 2022 energy agreement with the EU, Azerbaijani gas exports to EU countries have surged by approximately 65%. Currently, 10 EU member states are importing gas from Azerbaijan, underscoring the growing energy cooperation between the two regions.
In addition to infrastructure development, von der Leyen announced a €20 million support program specifically designed for border communities. This initiative aims to address key areas such as healthcare, mine clearance, rural development, and support for small businesses. The focus on border communities highlights the EU’s commitment to fostering stability and development in regions affected by past conflicts.
Von der Leyen’s visit to Azerbaijan is part of a broader tour of the South Caucasus region, with plans to continue discussions in Armenia. Her efforts in the region underscore the EU’s strategic interest in building stronger ties and facilitating peace and prosperity through targeted investments and partnerships.