EU's Costa: to visit Azerbaijan on March 11

EU's Costa: to visit Azerbaijan on March 11

The European Union’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan on March 11–12, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and advance the EU’s connectivity agenda in the South Caucasus. During the visit, Kos will meet with Azerbaijani officials, including President Ilham Aliyev, and participate in discussions focused on peace, stability, and sustainable development. The timing aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to diversify energy supplies amid ongoing disruptions in global LNG markets, particularly following the suspension of Qatari exports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz according to EU officials.

Azerbaijan has emerged as a critical partner for the EU, supplying 4% of its gas imports in 2025 through the Southern Gas Corridor, a key component of the bloc’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy according to EU sources. Kos’s itinerary includes a visit to Aghdam, where she will engage with demining initiatives supported by EU funding, underscoring the union’s commitment to post-conflict recovery in the region as reported.

The visit also highlights the EU’s dual focus on energy security and geopolitical stability. While the EU has praised Azerbaijan’s role in supplying natural gas, concerns persist regarding regional tensions and human rights issues in the South Caucasus according to EU officials. Analysts note that the current energy crisis—triggered by Middle East conflicts—has intensified the EU’s push for diversified supply chains, with Azerbaijan positioned as a strategic non-Russian supplier according to analysis.

Kos’s engagement with Azerbaijan follows similar diplomatic efforts in Armenia, reflecting the EU’s broader aim to foster dialogue and economic integration in the region as stated. The outcomes of these interactions may influence the EU’s energy and connectivity policies in the coming months.