European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to enhance the EU’s strategic engagement in the South Caucasus. This visit aims to bolster energy cooperation, trade, and regional connectivity, crucial for EU economies. Von der Leyen will meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on July 1, focusing on expanding energy supplies to Europe, a key aspect of EU-Azerbaijan relations. This marks her first trip to Baku since 2022, when the EU and Azerbaijan established a strategic energy partnership amid Europe's shift away from Russian energy sources.
The timing of this visit is significant as it follows recent peace agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan after decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The EU has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. Von der Leyen's discussions will also touch on regional infrastructure projects, which are increasingly vital for the EU's energy security and economic stability. European Council President Antonio Costa previously highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan in diversifying the EU's energy supply, noting that 16 European countries currently receive Azerbaijani gas.
This engagement reflects the EU's broader strategy to strengthen political and economic ties in the South Caucasus, moving beyond energy to include defense and digital cooperation. The EU aims to solidify its presence in a region historically influenced by Russia, signaling a commitment to fostering stability and collaboration in the area.