Aliyev: Azerbaijan's natural gas exports to EU up 65% in four years

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that energy cooperation with the European Union (EU) is growing steadily, and natural gas exports have increased by approximately 65 percent in the last four years, reaching 10 EU member states.

Scraper SystemJuly 02, 2026, 10:25 AM

Aliyev: Azerbaijan's natural gas exports to EU up 65% in four years

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership in energy during a press conference held after his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the capital Baku.

Record Increase in Energy Cooperation

Aliyev noted that since the Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding was signed four years ago, natural gas exports to EU countries have increased by up to 65 percent. He stated, “Today, half of our gas exports go to EU countries, and 10 EU member states use Azerbaijani gas. We have the potential to expand this geography further.”

Stressing that energy security has become an integral part of national security, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has made political, diplomatic and financial investments for years to deliver oil and natural gas to Europe.

Emphasis on the Southern Gas Corridor

Noting that the Southern Gas Corridor, which is approximately 3,500 kilometers long, is the most concrete example of this cooperation, Aliyev said that this pipeline system serves as the main route for delivering Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

Trade and Transport Potential

Pointing out that the EU is one of Azerbaijan’s largest trading partners, Aliyev said, “More than 40 percent of our trade is conducted with EU member states. Azerbaijan is also the EU’s largest trading partner in the South Caucasus. Approximately 70 percent of regional trade passes through Azerbaijan.”

Reminding that the East-West and North-South transport corridors pass through Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, “The volume of cargo transported through our country today is increasing on all routes. New geopolitical conditions require us to further increase the capacity of our ports and railway infrastructure. We are implementing this in a planned manner and with our own financial resources.”

New Steps in Renewable Energy

Noting that renewable energy has also become a strategic area in cooperation with the EU, Aliyev said that solar, wind and hydropower projects and new electricity transmission lines were discussed at the meeting. He stated that they aim to achieve 8 gigawatts of solar and wind power generation capacity within the next 5-6 years.

Normalization Process with Armenia

The meeting also touched on the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Aliyev said, “Peace has been effectively established, and we have begun to see its benefits. In order to demonstrate that peace is not just on paper, we unilaterally lifted all restrictions on cargo transport to Armenia via Azerbaijan and have started supplying fuel, primarily gasoline and diesel.”

Recalling that the peace proposal came from Azerbaijan, Aliyev stressed the need to work sincerely to make this peace lasting and durable, adding that the European Commission’s support for the process is valuable.

Aliyev: Azerbaijan's natural gas exports to EU up 65% in four years