Against a backdrop of geopolitical shifts and challenges with traditional routes through Russia and the Middle East, the European Union must more actively develop alternative transport and energy links, with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey playing a key role.
According to the European bureau of Report, this was stated by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at an extraordinary hearing of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
She outlined the EU’s priorities in developing the Middle Corridor, which connects Europe with Central Asia via the South Caucasus: “So, there are no longer any trade routes in the north, nor in the south. Therefore, the best option is the Middle Corridor, the corridor of peace, and we are working on this.”
In this context, Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as Turkey, play a key role, she noted.
The EU is already cooperating with Baku and is currently preparing a feasibility study for the Nakhchivan railway, Kos emphasised. According to the European Commissioner, negotiations with Ankara on improving transport connectivity are continuing in parallel.
Kos noted that the EU also views Armenia as a partner in a broader strategy to establish sustainable transport, energy and digital connections in the region. In particular, the EU has already funded a power grid project between Armenia and Georgia, which should enhance the region’s energy resilience.
