Europe Diversifies Energy Partnerships Amid Hormuz Crisis
The recent Hormuz crisis has reinforced concerns about global energy trade routes and their vulnerability to disruptions. Europe, in response, is further diversifying its energy partnerships to reduce reliance on Russia.
Azerbaijan has become a key player in this strategy due to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which transports 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field directly to Europe. The pipeline began commercial operations in November 2020 and has delivered its 50th billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe by September 2025.
The EU is also engaging with other alternative suppliers, including Norway and Algeria, as part of a broader effort to strengthen its network of reliable partnerships. Azerbaijan's relationship with the EU predates Russia's invasion of Ukraine, dating back to the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1999.