Abstract:

Azerbaijan, which has a strategic energy sources and especially the Caspian Basin is alternative venue that has a geographic geopolitical lock position that in terms of ensuring the national security of the European Union to hold the equal to energy supply security. This region has also an alternative transport route feature in terms of the EU's energy imports for the elimination of excessive dependence on Russia. After regaining independence, one of the global power centers, which Azerbaijan has evolved its political and economic relations with, was the European Union. Political and economic instability was dominating in Azerbaijan throughout the first years of its sovereignty. Development of relations with the European Union was needed vastly in order to overcome this situation. In particular, relations between the EU and Azerbaijan have been improved within the framework of programs, such as TASIC, TRACECA, INOGATE and ECHO. The most essential reason for the advancement of Azerbaijan-EU relations is the energy resources that Azerbaijan has. That is, the EU is going to reduce dependence from Russia, as well as diversify its resources so that to provide energy security. Therefore, the EU attaches importance to energy cooperation with Azerbaijan.The main purpose of this study is investigate the effect of these actors to ensure the European Union's energy security by proving the energy potential of Azerbaijan. Energy factor in Azerbaijan-European Union relations and the role of Azerbaijan in European energy security was refered in this article. As the main result of the research based on the research method with comparision and statistical data the importance of energy factor in the policy of Azerbaijan intended for European Union and EU's high need for the Caspian Sea energy resources was concluded.

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