Europe’s energy cooperation with Azerbaijan is more important than ever as the Middle East war rattles global markets, according to the European Council President on a Wednesday, March 11th visit to the country.
António Costa indicated that European governments fear the war could further disrupt energy supplies and push prices even higher, prompting the European Union to accelerate efforts to diversify gas sources and strengthen partnerships with alternative suppliers—including energy-rich Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan has already been central to Europe’s effort to diversify energy supply sources, he added.
The EU is now working with Azerbaijan on a new framework for closer cooperation, he said, adding that the sides were also exploring ways to deepen ties in defence and security. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan continues to play an important role in ensuring Europe’s energy security.
Triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran launched on February 28th, the war in the Middle East has unsettled global energy markets and pushed oil prices higher, as traders assess risks to major shipping routes and supply disruptions.
However, the EU is not the first to reach out to Azerbaijan because of the oil crisis. Slovakia forged an independent policy in December 2025, as the EU went towards a full ban on Russian gas.
