Azerbaijan expands energy ties with Germany and Russia amid Council of Europe uncertainty

Azerbaijan is navigating complex diplomatic and energy relations with both European and Russian partners. During a visit to Berlin, President Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a strategic partnership declaration. This agreement aims to deepen cooperation in energy, transport, trade, and investment, specifically focusing on Azerbaijan’s role in supplying gas to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor.

Simultaneously, Azerbaijan is strengthening ties with Russia in the energy sector. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Nowak and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in oil, gas, and electricity. The two nations also highlighted their ongoing coordination within the OPEC+ framework to help stabilize global energy markets.

On the diplomatic front, Azerbaijan’s relationship with European human rights institutions faces uncertainty. President Aliyev indicated that the country is considering a full withdrawal from the Council of Europe. This follows the 2024 suspension of Azerbaijan’s voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. While such a move would impact relations with the Council of Europe, it would not alter Azerbaijan’s formal relationship with the European Union.