An Assessment of the Potential of EU-Azerbaijan Energy Cooperation and its Impact on EU Gas Dependence on Russia

Abstract

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership in the field of energy between the European Commission and Azerbaijan, the latter will double its current supply of natural gas to Europe until 2027. That being said, does Azerbaijan have the capacity to produce and transport this increased volume – and what role will cooperation with Azerbaijan play in reducing EU gas dependence on Russia? In this paper, the authors explore the country’s energy production and transport capacity, assess its potential, and define future challenges.