Baku, May 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: Elchin Amirbayov has underlined the growing strategic importance of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, particularly in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains.
In an interview with Italian media, Amirbayov stressed that in times of instability, energy security depends not only on access to resources but also on the reliability and safety of supply routes.
He noted that Azerbaijan has established itself as a dependable energy partner for Italy, with natural gas deliveries through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) reaching 9.5 billion cubic meters in 2025—accounting for around 16% of Italy’s total gas imports. Since the launch of TAP operations, more than 42 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas have been supplied to the Italian market.
Amirbayov emphasized that Azerbaijan’s role extends beyond bilateral ties, contributing significantly to Europe’s broader energy security framework. In 2025, the country exported 12.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to European Union member states, marking a 53.8% increase compared to 2021. He said this growth reflects the rising importance of the Southern Gas Corridor as a key diversification route for Europe.
Referring to EU-Azerbaijan energy cooperation, he recalled the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed in Baku, which set a target of doubling Azerbaijani gas exports to the EU from 10 to 20 billion cubic meters annually by 2027. He added that the first phase of TAP expansion, completed in January 2026, has already increased capacity by 1.2 billion cubic meters per year, with most of the additional volume directed to Italy.
Amirbayov further highlighted that continued expansion of pipeline infrastructure and production capacity will require investment and coordinated financial support, noting that European institutions can play a key role in enabling these developments.
He described TAP as a strategic infrastructure asset that enhances energy diversification and security across Europe, connecting Greece, Albania, and Italy, while linking broader European markets through interconnectors. With additional EU buyers such as Austria and Germany now participating, Azerbaijani gas is currently supplied to 10 EU countries.
Concluding his remarks, Amirbayov said the pipeline system strengthens not only energy resilience but also geopolitical stability, reducing reliance on more vulnerable supply routes and fostering long-term interdependence among producing, transit, and consuming states across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
