Strategic importance of Azerbaijan – Italy energy cooperation becomes clearer after Hormuz crisis — Elchin Amirbayov

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 2. The strategic
importance of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy has
become even more evident following the crisis around the Strait of
Hormuz. This was stated by Elchin Amirbayov, the President of
Azerbaijan’s Special Assignments Representative, in an interview
with the publication Formiche.net, Trend reports.

Amirbayov said that in a period of geopolitical instability, the
key issue is not only access to energy resources, but also the
reliability and security of supply routes.

“In this regard, Azerbaijan has long proven itself as a reliable
partner for Italy. In 2025, Azerbaijan supplied 9.5 billion cubic
meters of gas to Italy via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP),
accounting for around 16 percent of Italy’s total gas imports.
Since the start of TAP operations, more than 42 billion cubic
meters of Azerbaijani gas have been delivered to Italy. This shows
that TAP is not only a commercial success but also a strategic
pillar of Italy’s energy security,” he said.

Amirbayov added that this partnership is not limited to
bilateral relations.

“Azerbaijan today plays an important role in the overall energy
security of Europe. In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 12.5 billion cubic
meters of natural gas to European Union member states, which is
53.8 percent more compared to 2021. This demonstrates that the
Southern Gas Corridor has already become one of Europe’s key
diversification routes. This is especially significant at a time
when the continent is seeking reliable alternatives and secure
overland supply channels. Recent tensions around the Strait of
Hormuz once again reminded everyone how vulnerable global energy
markets are to geopolitical shocks. In this context, Azerbaijan’s
role gains even greater importance. Therefore, yes, after the
Hormuz crisis, energy ties between Azerbaijan and Italy have become
more relevant not only for the two countries but for Europe as a
whole,” he said.

According to Amirbayov, doubling pipeline capacity is, in
principle, feasible.

“Most importantly, this is not a new idea. When European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Baku in July
2022, the EU and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on
a strategic energy partnership. The goal is to expand the Southern
Gas Corridor infrastructure and double Azerbaijani gas exports to
the EU—from 10 billion to 20 billion cubic meters annually by 2027.
This process has already begun, and we are moving toward that
target. The first phase of TAP expansion was commissioned in
January 2026, adding 1.2 billion cubic meters of annual capacity,
of which 1 billion cubic meters is directed to Italy. This shows
the corridor is not static but continues to evolve in response to
Europe’s energy needs,” he said.

He added that there is clear potential for further expansion,
but it requires investment.

“Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated its readiness to increase gas
supplies to Europe. However, this requires further expansion of the
Southern Gas Corridor infrastructure, including new investments to
increase both production and pipeline capacity. In the current
geopolitical uncertainty, expanding this capacity increasingly
aligns with Europe’s strategic interests. Financing is crucial
here. As the EU continues its efforts to diversify energy supply
sources, relevant EU institutions can play an important role in
creating the necessary investment conditions,” Amirbayov noted.

He emphasized that TAP is a strategic infrastructure project,
contributing to a more diversified and secure energy supply for
Europe through Azerbaijani gas delivered via the Southern Gas
Corridor.

“This is especially important for Italy, which is not only a
consumption market but also a key energy hub between Europe and the
Mediterranean. The more resilient Italy’s energy policy is, the
greater its ability to contribute to regional stability, including
in Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean basin. TAP already
connects Greece, Albania, and Italy, while the Southern Gas
Corridor expands its reach across Europe through interconnectors.
With Austria and Germany recently joining as buyers, Azerbaijani
gas is now delivered to 10 EU countries. This can be seen as
Azerbaijan’s contribution to regional stability,” he said.

He concluded that TAP also strengthens stability in a broader
geopolitical sense.

“It reduces dependence on more vulnerable supply routes and
creates long-term interdependence between producing, transit, and
consuming countries. Therefore, its impact on Euro-Mediterranean
stability goes beyond energy supply—it helps build a more
resilient, interlinked, and secure regional environment,” Amirbayov
said.