In a significant move to bolster infrastructure in Azerbaijan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed up to €200 million in grants from the European Union. This financial support is aimed at enhancing the nation’s transport, energy, and digital infrastructure and is expected to stimulate a total of €2 billion in investments from both public and private sectors. The announcement was made during von der Leyen’s recent visit to Baku, where she met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss collaborative efforts in energy, regional connectivity, and the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
During the discussions, von der Leyen proposed establishing a new EU-Azerbaijan connectivity partnership. President Aliyev highlighted the progress made since the 2022 EU energy agreement, noting a substantial increase of approximately 65% in Azerbaijani gas exports to European Union member states. Currently, 10 EU countries are importing gas from Azerbaijan, reflecting the growing importance of this energy collaboration.
Further underscoring the EU’s commitment to the region, von der Leyen announced a €20 million support program specifically designed for border communities. This program will focus on critical areas such as healthcare, mine clearance, rural development, and support for small businesses, aiming to improve the living conditions and economic prospects for residents in these areas.
The discussions in Baku are part of von der Leyen’s broader visit to the South Caucasus, which includes subsequent talks in Armenia. These engagements emphasize the EU’s strategic interest in fostering stability and development in the region, while also strengthening economic ties and energy security between Europe and Azerbaijan.