The EU is going to ask for additional gas from Azerbaijan because of potential damage to energy provision stemming from the Russia-Ukraine crisis. According to Financial Times, Brussels is concerned about the matter.
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson will travel to Baku for the long-planned conference of the ministers. During her trip, the Commissioner will hold negotiations with Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev.
We expect that the discussions will focus on the role Azerbaijan plays in providing gas to Europe. It includes the potential of increasing gas supply to the EU via Trans-Adriatik pipeline.
Kadri Simson
Financial Times reports that the planned discussion with Azerbaijan, an ally to Russia, is an indication of the EU’s concern regarding the risk of increase on energy prices due to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia provides 40% of Europe’s demand for gas, which gives it upper hand over European energy markets. Brussels is concerned that any sanctions against Moscow, in response to the possible invasion, would result in constraints on energy provision.
