European Union Partner with Azerbaijan to Double Gas Imports by 2027

According to reports, the European Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double the imports of Azeri natural gas to at least 20 billion cubic metres a year by 2027.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of European Commission, said with this partnership, they are opening a new chapter in their energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, which is a key partner in their efforts to move away from fossil fuels from Russia. She said the European Union is seeking to double gas imports from Azerbaijan as it is seeking non-Russian suppliers after invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

At a joint news conference with Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan followed by the signing ceremony in Baku, Ursula von der Leyen said Azerbaijan has been a crucial energy partner for them that has always been reliable.

She said through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, Azerbaijan is currently delivering more than 8 billion cubic metres of gas per year and they will be expanding its capacity to 20 billion cubic metres by 2027.

The president of Azerbaijan stressed that problems of energy security are more important than ever before. He said the long-lasting, reliable, and predictable cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in the field of energy has been a big asset. The natural gas supplies have also emerged as a weapon between Europe and Russia since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.