European Leaders Seek Increased Azerbaijani Gas Supplies Amid Energy Diversification Efforts
European leaders are actively pursuing deeper energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, with several nations expressing interest in increasing gas imports from the Caspian Sea region. This push comes as Europe continues its strategy to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. During the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin, leaders from six European countries, including Lithuania, Ireland, Moldova, and the Czech Republic (none of which currently import Azerbaijani gas), highlighted Azerbaijan's crucial role in diversifying the continent's energy supply. Azerbaijan currently supplies natural gas to ten EU member states, including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, and Austria. Since 2021, Azerbaijani gas supplies to the EU via the Southern Gas Corridor have increased by over 40%, contributing to the EU's broader goal of reducing Russia's share of its gas imports from 45% in 2021 to 12% in 2025.
