EU says Azerbaijani gas imports up more than 40% since 2021

European Union imports of natural gas from Azerbaijan have increased by more than 40% since 2021, Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director for Energy Security and International Relations at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, said on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of Baku Energy Week, she said Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in the EU’s efforts to diversify energy supplies and strengthen energy security.

“Since 2021, the European Union has increased imports of Azerbaijani natural gas by more than 40%. And just this January, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) completed its first capacity expansion by 1.2 billion cubic metres, which will enable additional gas deliveries to the European Union in 2026,” she said.

Lobillo Borrero said Europe, having emerged from the acute energy supply crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now faces a new challenge linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“This time, the challenge is less about supply shortages and more about price volatility,” she said.

She noted that the EU remains committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 but continues to rely on fossil fuels and remains a net importer of oil and gas.

“In this context, reliable partnerships matter more,” she said.

According to Lobillo Borrero, Azerbaijan and the Caspian region have made a significant contribution to strengthening Europe’s energy resilience, particularly through the Southern Gas Corridor.

She also highlighted growing cooperation with Azerbaijan in renewable energy and energy connectivity projects.

The EU is closely following the planned Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor project, which is seen as a key element of future energy connectivity between the Caspian region, the South Caucasus and Europe, she said.

“The intention of all participating countries to apply for Project of Mutual Interest status later this year is a very important milestone,” Lobillo Borrero said.

She added that future energy partnerships should be measured not only by supply volumes but also by reliability, transparency, resilient supply chains, attractive investment conditions and technologies that support both energy security and the energy transition.

N. Tebrizli