BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. At a time when
Europe’s geopolitical landscape is changing, the security
architecture is being reevaluated, and energy supplies and
transportation links are becoming strategic priorities for nations,
Azerbaijan’s growing role in international political processes
takes on particular significance.
From this perspective, the 9th Summit of the European Political
Community (EPC), to be held on November 12 in Dublin, the capital
of Ireland, will also attract attention. The meeting, which will
bring together heads of state and government from some 50
countries, as well as leaders of leading European and international
institutions, will not only create new diplomatic opportunities in
Azerbaijan’s relations with Europe but will also highlight
Azerbaijan’s position as the host of the 2028 EPC summit in
Baku.
Azerbaijan’s participation in this platform is not merely a
matter of representation at international events; it is an
important diplomatic priority in terms of safeguarding national
interests, presenting regional initiatives, demonstrating the
country's contribution to energy and transport security, and
participating in shaping Europe’s future political and economic
agenda.
The European Political Community: a new space for
political dialogue taking shape around the continent’s common
challenges
The formation of the European Political Community coincides with
a period when Europe’s needs for security and political
coordination have become more acute. The foundation for the
platform was laid in October 2022 in Prague, the capital of the
Czech Republic. Functioning as a forum for informal
intergovernmental political dialogue, the EPC brings together all
members of the EU, as well as countries from across the broader
European region, in a single space for discussion. In addition to
heads of state and government, leaders of the European Commission,
the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and
other multilateral institutions also participate in the
summits.
The main mission of the EPC is to intensify political contacts
between states, expand cooperation on issues of mutual interest,
and promote security, stability, and prosperity on the European
continent. At the same time, the platform creates additional
opportunities for political and practical exchange between non-EU
countries and the EU. One important point must be emphasized here:
the EPC does not replace the activities of existing international
organizations, nor does it serve as an alternative to the
mechanisms of EU membership. Its essence lies in creating the
conditions for dialogue on an equal footing among European states
with different political statuses. This feature characterizes the
platform as a political space broader than the continent’s
institutional boundaries.
Starting in 2023, the holding of summits twice a year,
alternating between countries that are and are not members of the
European Union, has expanded the format’s geographic and political
scope. Although each of the eight forums held to date took place
under different international circumstances, their agendas have
primarily focused on issues of security, economic stability,
energy, transportation, migration, and regional cooperation. This
consistency has created broad political opportunities for
Azerbaijan’s participation in the platform as well.
The experience of eight summits: Azerbaijan’s consistent
participation in the European dialogue.
The first EPC summit, held on October 6, 2022, in Prague,
brought together the heads of state and government of 44 countries.
During the summit, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, took part in a roundtable discussion on peace and
security on the European continent. Discussions at the first
meeting were not limited to peace and security but also covered
issues such as the economic situation, energy, climate, migration,
and the free movement of people. This helped define the main
directions for the platform’s future activities.
The second summit, held in June 2023 in the Moldovan village of
Bulboaca, was attended by leaders from 45 countries. On this
occasion, President Ilham Aliyev participated in a roundtable on
energy security. Discussions centered on joint efforts to ensure
peace and security in Europe, strengthen energy resilience, and
address issues of transportation and mobility. This meeting also
served as an important platform for presenting Azerbaijan’s
position as a key partner for Europe in the energy sector.
The third summit, held in October of that same year in the
Spanish city of Granada, was attended by the heads of state and
government of 44 countries. The leaders discussed ways to achieve
more sustainable and prosperous development in Europe, as well as
to strengthen the continent’s strategic position in global
processes. At this stage, the EPC agenda was no longer limited to
overcoming current crises but encompassed Europe’s long-term
geopolitical and economic prospects.
Leaders from 43 countries participated in the fourth summit,
held in July 2024 in Oxford, England. President Ilham Aliyev took
part in a roundtable discussion at the event focused on energy and
connectivity. Energy, security, and migration were the main topics
of discussion at the meeting. Azerbaijan’s participation in these
discussions was particularly significant in terms of highlighting
the importance of Azerbaijan’s energy resources and transit
capabilities for Europe.
The fifth summit, held in November 2024 in Budapest, the capital
of Hungary, was attended by heads of state and government from 42
countries. European security, illegal migration, energy supply,
transportation, information technology, and economic security were
the main issues discussed by the leaders. Bringing these topics
together on a single agenda demonstrated that the modern
understanding of European security is no longer limited to the
military-political sphere; rather, the economy, technology, and
infrastructure have also become an integral part of the overall
security system.
The sixth summit, held in May 2025 in Tirana, the capital of
Albania, was attended by heads of state and government from about
50 countries. President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening
plenary session. Innovation, sustainability in energy and industry,
enhancing economic competitiveness, and migration issues were the
main topics of discussion at the meeting.
The seventh summit, held in October 2025 in Copenhagen, the
capital of Denmark, also brought together leaders from about 50
countries. The event, attended by President Ilham Aliyev, addressed
the overall security situation in Europe, the Russia-Ukraine war,
economic security, migration, as well as traditional and hybrid
threats. The agenda of this meeting once again demonstrated the
diversity of threats facing European states and the importance of
political coordination in addressing them.
The eighth EPС summit took place in May 2026 in Yerevan, the
capital of Armenia. President Ilham Aliyev joined the meeting via
video link and delivered a speech. This format of participation, in
addition to ensuring the continuity of Azerbaijan’s representation
on the platform, created the conditions for the country to express
its position on regional and international issues at the highest
political level. The adoption at this very meeting of the proposal
to hold the EPC summit in Azerbaijan in 2028 was a significant
achievement from the perspective of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic
efforts.
Thus, the eight summits held from Prague to Yerevan demonstrate
Azerbaijan’s consistent participation in the European political
arena, the direct representation of the country’s leadership in
discussions on pressing issues facing the continent, and diplomatic
efforts to safeguard national interests at the international
level.
The Dublin Agenda: Energy, Communications, and
Democratic Security
The overarching theme of the ninth summit, to be held on
November 12 in Dublin, will be “Europe—Strong, Secure, and
Connected.” Heads of state and government from approximately 50
countries, as well as leaders of major European and international
institutions, are expected to attend the event. According to
official information from the Council of the European Union, heads
of state and government from 48 countries have been invited to the
meeting. This figure demonstrates the summit’s broad scope of
political representation and the importance attached to the common
challenges facing the European continent.
The agenda for the Dublin meeting is structured around two main
themes. The first roundtable will focus on “Building a Competitive
Europe: Innovation, Connectivity, and Affordable Energy.”
Discussions will focus on promoting innovation, including rapidly
evolving technologies; improving transportation and other
connectivity across Europe; and ensuring energy security and
affordability.
The theme of the second roundtable will be “Securing and
defending a democratic Europe.” The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the
rise of hybrid and cyber threats in Europe, and the protection of
democratic institutions and values will form the main focus of the
discussions.
The content of this agenda directly aligns with Azerbaijan’s
strategic interests. In the fields of energy security and
international connectivity, our country is not merely a negotiating
party, but a state that is already implementing large-scale
projects and making a tangible contribution to regional and
intercontinental cooperation. Azerbaijan’s participation in the
Dublin summit provides a favorable opportunity to present this
experience directly to European leaders.
When discussing Europe’s competitiveness, it is impossible to
consider energy supply in isolation. Industrial development, the
adoption of technological innovations, the functioning of
transportation systems, and economic growth all depend directly on
reliable energy sources. Energy prices and the security of supply
routes are also among the key factors influencing the economic
decisions of European countries. In this sense, Azerbaijan’s role
in Europe’s energy security cannot be assessed solely within the
framework of bilateral economic relations. Azerbaijan is an
important partner in diversifying the continent’s energy sources
and supply routes.
The Southern Gas Corridor and the Middle Corridor:
Azerbaijan’s Strategic Advantage
One of the key areas of Azerbaijan’s energy cooperation with
Europe is the Southern Gas Corridor. This infrastructure project,
which delivers Caspian energy resources to European markets, has
significantly strengthened Azerbaijan’s position in the
international energy system. The launch of the Southern Gas
Corridor marked an important achievement in establishing
alternative gas supply routes for Europe. According to the European
Commission, the 3,500-kilometer system comprises three projects:
the South Caucasus Pipeline, TANAP and TAP. Through this corridor,
natural gas produced at the Shah Deniz field is transported from
Azerbaijan through Georgia to Türkiye, and then via Greece, Albania
and the Adriatic Sea to Italy. Access to Bulgaria and the
Danube-Balkan region is also provided through the relevant
interconnector pipelines.
The importance of this project is in line with Europe’s policy
of reducing dependence on energy sources and diversifying supply
routes. Azerbaijan’s gas exports make a practical contribution to
the energy security of the European market. Therefore, Azerbaijan’s
participation in discussions on energy issues at the Dublin summit
is not merely an opportunity to discuss prospects for future
cooperation, but also a chance to present a strategic partnership
that is already well established.
Another important factor enhancing Azerbaijan’s geostrategic
significance is the Middle Corridor. This transport route, which
starts in China and Central Asia and extends across the Caspian
Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye to Europe, plays an important
role in the development of intercontinental trade. Cargo
transportation across the Caspian, modern port infrastructure, and
the capacity of rail and road networks make Azerbaijan one of the
key transit hubs between Europe and Asia.
The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway and other transportation and
logistics projects are enhancing the competitiveness of these
transport corridors. Although Azerbaijan’s geographic location
provides a significant advantage, geography is not the only key
factor determining the country’s transit potential. The
infrastructure developed in recent years, the investments made, and
the cooperation established with international partners have
transformed this advantage into real economic opportunities.
From this perspective, the discussion at the Dublin summit on
improving connectivity across Europe is of particular importance to
Azerbaijan. Expanding Europe’s access to Asian markets, enhancing
the reliability of supply chains, and developing alternative
transport routes align with Azerbaijan’s regional initiatives. In
this process, Azerbaijan is not merely a transit territory, but an
independent partner that integrates various economic and
transportation systems and creates conditions for expanding
cooperation.
In fact, the discussion of energy and transportation issues at
the same summit reveals an important reality of modern
international relations: economic power and political authority are
increasingly measured by the scale of the connecting links
established by states, their contribution to energy supply, and the
role they play in regional stability. Thanks to the results
achieved in these areas, Azerbaijan is strengthening its status as
a reliable partner serving Europe’s strategic interests.
Regional Peace and Security: Azerbaijan’s Fundamental
Position
The second main focus of the Dublin Summit is ensuring the
security and defense of a democratic Europe. Issues such as the
ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, hybrid and cyber threats, and the
protection of democratic institutions are of critical importance to
Europe’s future security architecture. However, the essence of
security should not be measured solely by military capabilities.
Respect for state sovereignty, the protection of territorial
integrity, and adherence to the norms and principles of
international law are also fundamental conditions for a sustainable
security system.
It is precisely these principles that underpin the position
Azerbaijan upholds in international relations. For many years, the
country has kept the issue of ensuring the right to territorial
integrity and sovereignty on the agenda of international forums.
Azerbaijan’s restoration of its territorial integrity and
sovereignty has once again demonstrated the importance of the
fundamental principles of international law. This experience
provides Azerbaijan with a strong political basis for firmly
articulating its position on issues of security, sovereignty, and
regional stability.
Strengthening peace in the South Caucasus is also one of the key
priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. The normalization of
relations with Armenia and the advancement of the peace agenda open
up new opportunities for the region’s future development. President
Ilham Aliyev’s participation via video link in the eighth summit
held in Yerevan, as well as the acceptance of Azerbaijan’s proposal
to host one of the upcoming summits, carry special political
significance in this regard.
The selection of Azerbaijan as the host country for the EPC
summit in 2028 is also significant in terms of expanding
opportunities for dialogue and cooperation in the region. This
decision reflects Azerbaijan’s active participation in
international forums and its growing role in regional processes. At
the same time, Armenia’s support for Azerbaijan’s candidacy is a
noteworthy development in terms of advancing the peace agenda in
the political and diplomatic spheres.
Baku is one of the new hubs of international
diplomacy.
Hosting the 12th EPC Summit in Azerbaijan is an important
indicator of Azerbaijan’s international standing and its growing
role in multilateral diplomacy. This decision, adopted with the
unanimous support of member states, confirms that Azerbaijan is not
only a participant in the platform but also one of the key parties
responsible for organizing its future activities.
President Ilham Aliyev, addressing the 8th EPC Summit via video
link on May 4, 2026, in Yerevan, announced the acceptance of the
proposal to hold the summit in Azerbaijan in May 2028 and invited
participants to Azerbaijan. This decision creates an important
opportunity to take Azerbaijan’s political dialogue with European
states to a new stage.
The key point worth noting here is that Azerbaijan’s capacity to
host international events spans various geographic regions and
political platforms. Azerbaijan actively participates in
multilateral cooperation frameworks in Europe, Asia, and the
Islamic world. This demonstrates the multifaceted nature of
Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and the importance it places on
building relations with various countries based on mutual
interests.
Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 2026 Summit of the Conference on
Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is one
of the key achievements in this regard. The seventh CICA Summit,
held on October 15 in Baku, brought together high-level
representatives of the organization’s member states. The extension
of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship for another two years, through 2028,
with the unanimous support of member states, is a concrete
expression of the trust placed in Azerbaijan. This decision
resulted from the positive international assessment of Azerbaijan’s
efforts to strengthen dialogue, trust, and cooperation in Asia.
Another important event is the hosting of the 16th Summit of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baku in 2027. Along
with hosting this summit, Azerbaijan will also serve a three-year
term as chair of the organization. Hosting this important OIC
summit, which brings together some 60 countries, in Baku serves to
strengthen Azerbaijan’s political and diplomatic standing in the
Islamic world. At the same time, it demonstrates Azerbaijan’s
contribution to fostering solidarity, mutual support, and economic
cooperation among Muslim countries.
Thus, hosting the CICA Summit in Baku in 2026 and extending
Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the organization through 2028, hosting
the 16th OIC Summit in Azerbaijan in 2027 and serving a three-year
chairmanship of the organization, as well as hosting the EPC Summit
in Baku in 2028, are interconnected events that demonstrate
Azerbaijan’s growing influence in international diplomacy. This
sequence is not a random collection of diplomatic successes. It is
underpinned by an independent foreign policy, consistent
cooperation with international partners, and a proactive stance on
multilateral platforms.
From the Dublin Summit to the Baku Meeting: Azerbaijan’s
Diplomatic Challenges
President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in previous EPC summits
and the numerous high-level meetings he held during these events
underscore the country’s active presence in the European political
arena. These meetings have made it possible to bring Azerbaijan’s
national interests, its position on peace and security in the South
Caucasus, projects being implemented in the energy and
transportation sectors, as well as regional cooperation
initiatives, directly to the attention of European leaders.
From this perspective, the Dublin summit also serves as an
important platform for new diplomatic contacts and political
discussions. One of the main tasks facing Azerbaijan is to
consistently highlight its contribution to Europe’s energy
security, its role in East-West transportation links, and its
position in ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. At
the same time, given that Azerbaijan will host the summit in 2028,
the Dublin meeting is also of great importance for shaping the
organizational and political agenda of the upcoming summit.
The next step, scheduled for April 2027, is the 10th EPC Summit
in Zurich, Switzerland. This sequence is important for tracking the
evolution of the platform’s political agenda leading up to the 12th
summit, which will take place in Baku in 2028, and for the phased
implementation of Azerbaijan’s preparations as the host
country.
Azerbaijan's activities on this platform demonstrate
that the country acts in the system of international relations not
merely as a participant in regional processes. Baku also possesses
the potential to become a venue for dialogue that brings together
diverse geographic regions, economic interests, and political
perspectives. Its strategic position between Europe and Asia,
energy and transport infrastructure, independent foreign policy,
and growing authority in international organizations are the main
factors reinforcing this role for Azerbaijan.
Ultimately, the summit to be held on November 12 in
Dublin will mark another key stage in Azerbaijan's international
diplomatic activities. At this meeting, along with participating in
discussions on Europe's future priorities related to security,
energy, innovation, and connectivity, the country will also act as
an active participant in the political process leading to the
summit to be hosted in Baku in 2028. The commitments assumed by
Azerbaijan in the coming period within the framework of CICA and
the OIC, as well as the EPC, will serve to further solidify the
country's standing on the international stage.
The most important takeaway, however, is that
Azerbaijan is no longer confined to the role of a state that merely
monitors decisions adopted on various international platforms and
expresses its stance on them. Azerbaijan puts forward initiatives,
hosts international events, contributes to the development of
multilateral cooperation, and elevates its strategic priorities to
the global political agenda. The Dublin Summit will be another
manifestation of this policy, while the Baku Summit will present a
vital opportunity to showcase Azerbaijan's growing international
authority on a broader scale.
