Why are European leaders showing special interest in President Ilham Aliyev's stance? - ANALYSIS

The 9th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), to be held on November 12, 2026, in the Irish capital of Dublin, is of major importance for Europe's political, economic, and security agendas. As the summit focuses on the geopolitical challenges facing Europe, energy security issues, the resilience of transport and communication links, and regional conflicts, Azerbaijan's position is drawing particular interest.

Operativ Media reports, citing APA, that there are several key reasons for this interest.

First, along with occupying a strategic geographical position between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is an important partner for European nations in terms of energy security, transport connectivity, and regional stability. Furthermore, as a result of the foreign policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has expanded its capabilities to defend its interests in the international relations system, build cooperation with various centers of power, and influence regional processes.

The invitation of the President of Azerbaijan to this platform starting from the first European Political Community Summit is another indication of the country's importance for Europe. The participation of President Ilham Aliyev in the inaugural meeting held in Prague on October 6, 2022, showed that Azerbaijan was represented in the activities of this newly established political platform from its very inception. On the sidelines of these summits, President Ilham Aliyev has held contacts and meetings in various formats with leaders of the European Union and individual European states. Energy, transport, security, and regional cooperation were among the main topics discussed during these meetings.

The overall theme of the upcoming summit in Dublin is also noteworthy: "Europe – strong, secure, and connected." These priorities directly align with the main directions of Azerbaijan's cooperation with Europe in recent years.

One of the primary reasons for European nations' special interest in cooperating with Azerbaijan is energy security. Following the Russia-Ukraine war, diversifying European countries' energy supplies and expanding alternative sources and routes have become increasingly urgent. In this process, Azerbaijan has solidified its position as one of Europe's reliable energy partners.

Delivering natural gas from the Caspian Basin to European markets via the Southern Gas Corridor is one of the most important outcomes of this cooperation. According to the European Commission, gas supplies from Azerbaijan to the European Union increased by more than 40 percent between 2021 and 2024. In 2025, Azerbaijan and SOCAR supplied 12.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to EU member states, representing a 53.8 percent increase compared to 2021.

These figures demonstrate that Azerbaijan's role in European energy security does not consist merely of political statements, but rests on concrete economic and infrastructure results. Moreover, the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union in 2022 confirms the long-term nature of this cooperation.

Another important aspect is that Azerbaijan's energy policy is not limited strictly to oil and gas exports. The development of renewable energy sources, harnessing the wind energy potential of the Caspian Sea, and creating "green energy" corridors elevate the country's significance for Europe to a new stage. Thus, Azerbaijan is expanding its capabilities to be a key partner in Europe's both traditional and green energy security in the future.

Another key factor enhancing Azerbaijan's geopolitical and geoeconomic significance is the Middle Corridor. Stretching from China and Central Asia through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye to Europe, this route is gaining growing importance as an alternative transport line in the global trade and logistics system.

Shifts in the international relations system in recent years, the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and security risks along traditional maritime routes have heightened the importance of alternative transport links between Europe and Asia. Under these circumstances, the Middle Corridor is viewed not only as an economic project, but also as a means of ensuring the security and resilience of supply chains.

Azerbaijan serves as one of the key links along this route. Port infrastructure on the Caspian Sea, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, highways, and other transport projects have expanded the country's transit capabilities. In 2025, the volume of cargo transported via Azerbaijan along the East-West transport corridor reached 16.9 million tons, demonstrating the country's growing role in the international logistics system.

The European Union also takes into account Azerbaijan's potential in this field. In January 2026, the European Union, Azerbaijan, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development agreed to launch feasibility study work on the development of the Nakhchivan railway project. The project is assessed as part of the expansion of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia.

In this regard, Azerbaijan's significance for Europe is not measured solely by energy resource supplies. The country also plays an important role in providing Europe with access to Asian markets, diversifying trade routes, and securing supply chains.

Another major factor enhancing Azerbaijan's importance for Europe is its maintenance of stability under complex geopolitical conditions. The country shares borders with states such as Russia and Iran, which are involved in major geopolitical processes in the region. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to the north and tensions surrounding Iran to the south further heighten the strategic significance of the South Caucasus.

Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan's ability to maintain internal stability, sustain economic growth, and implement international transport and energy projects is particularly notable. In a complex geopolitical environment, Azerbaijan seeks to balance its relations with various states, safeguard its national interests, and expand opportunities for regional cooperation.

For European leaders, Azerbaijan's experience is of interest in several respects. First, Azerbaijan maintains multi-faceted cooperative relations with Western states, Türkiye, Central Asian nations, as well as Russia, Iran, and China. This allows the country to maintain its position at the intersection of differing geopolitical interests and pursue an independent policy in the international relations system.

In this context, President Ilham Aliyev's messages are anticipated with particular interest, as they present a stance grounded in direct experience with regional security, energy routes, transport connectivity, and state sovereignty.

In the modern international relations system, the role of countries considered "middle powers" is growing alongside that of major powers. By leveraging their economic, political, and diplomatic capabilities, middle powers influence regional processes and contribute to building platforms for cooperation among different power centers.

Azerbaijan's foreign policy in recent years serves as a notable example in this regard. During its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, the country launched initiatives to strengthen international solidarity, and by hosting COP29, it played a key role in the global climate agenda. At the same time, it has actively participated in developing political and economic ties among Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Türkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 also served as a demonstration of the country's organizational and diplomatic capacities. The adoption of the new collective quantified goal on climate finance and agreements reached on carbon markets at the Baku conference showcased the experience Azerbaijan has gained in international negotiation processes.

This experience demonstrates that Azerbaijan is capable of launching initiatives not only on regional issues, but also in resolving problems of global significance, facilitating the consolidation of its position as a "middle power" in the international relations system.

The European Political Community Summits also serve as an important platform for Azerbaijan to demonstrate these capabilities. President Ilham Aliyev's contacts with European leaders and direct presentation of his position on regional and global issues serve to expand the country's diplomatic ties.

Another significant factor enhancing Azerbaijan's importance for Europe is its promotion of peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus. On August 8, 2025, the initialing of the text of the peace agreement between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, along with the signing of a Joint Declaration involving President Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, marked a major event in shaping a new political reality in the region.

The initialing of the agreement and agreements reached on unblocking communications open up new prospects for long-term development in the South Caucasus. Expanding East-West transport links, developing regional trade, and strengthening economic cooperation are of strategic interest to Europe as well.

The key feature of Azerbaijan's approach here is that the country views regional security in connection with economic development and transport links. In other words, peace is presented not merely as a political agreement, but as a new stage of cooperation that yields economic dividends for the countries of the region.

This process is of particular significance to European leaders, as consolidating stability in the South Caucasus expands Europe's access to Central Asia and enhances the security of energy and transport projects. Therefore, President Ilham Aliyev's position on the peace process with Armenia, regional communications, and future cooperation will be one of the highlights of the upcoming summit in Dublin.

President Ilham Aliyev's participation in the European Political Community Summits and his numerous contacts with European leaders demonstrate Azerbaijan's growing weight in the international relations system. The significance of these contacts extends beyond diplomatic protocol; they touch upon Europe's fundamental interests, such as energy security, transport connectivity, regional stability, and economic cooperation.

Azerbaijan's image as a reliable partner has taken shape in precisely these areas. The country fulfills its energy supply commitments, invests in international transport projects, and demonstrates interest in expanding regional cooperation. At the same time, pursuing an independent foreign policy under complex geopolitical conditions enhances its value to international partners.

The theme of the upcoming 9th Summit in Dublin — a strong, secure, and connected Europe — directly aligns with Azerbaijan's interests and capabilities. For this reason, President Ilham Aliyev's messages regarding Europe's security architecture, energy supplies, the Middle Corridor, peace in the South Caucasus, and regional cooperation are expected to be followed with keen attention.

The main takeaway is that Azerbaijan is no longer merely a source of energy resources for Europe. It is a nation involved in establishing strategic connections between Europe and Asia, influencing regional security, and maintaining its own position on international issues.

One result of the foreign policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev is the expansion of Azerbaijan's ability to articulate its interests across various international platforms and engage in direct dialogue with partners. Invitations to the European Political Community Summits, alongside meetings with EU leadership and individual heads of state, serve as important indicators of this diplomatic activity.

The upcoming summit in Dublin serves as an important platform to once again demonstrate Azerbaijan's strategic importance to Europe. Energy security, the Middle Corridor, regional stability, the peace process with Armenia, and Azerbaijan's growing international role are the primary factors driving interest in President Ilham Aliyev's messages.

Today, one of the key issues for Europe is expanding cooperation with reliable partners in a changing geopolitical environment. With its capabilities in energy, transport, security, and diplomatic relations, Azerbaijan holds a unique place in this cooperation framework. The keen attention given to the positions articulated by President Ilham Aliyev on international platforms stems precisely from Azerbaijan's growing geopolitical and geoeconomic importance.