European Council President Costa to Visit Baku

EU Council Sanctions Press Releases

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 7th, 2026

Summary

The European Council announced that President Costa will visit Baku on March 11 for high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials. Discussions will focus on energy cooperation and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic importance to the EU.

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What changed

This press release from the European Council announces an upcoming visit by President Costa to Baku, Azerbaijan, on March 11, 2026, for high-level meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and other government representatives. The discussions are expected to cover energy cooperation, which is crucial for the EU's energy security and diversification efforts, as well as the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The release emphasizes Azerbaijan's strategic importance as a partner to the EU, noting that the EU is its largest trade partner and main investor.

This document is an informational notice regarding a diplomatic visit and does not impose any new regulatory obligations or deadlines on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note the ongoing strategic dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan concerning energy and geopolitical matters, which may inform future policy developments.

Source document (simplified)

European Council
Press release
6 March 2026 16:00

President Costa to visit Baku, Azerbaijan

President Costa will be in Baku on 11 March for a series of high-level meetings with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and senior government representatives.

Azerbaijan is a partner of strategic importance to the EU: our energy cooperation is crucial for our efforts to diversify our energy supplies and strengthen our energy security. Our meeting will also be an opportunity to discuss the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The European Union stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Azerbaijan.

António Costa, President of the European Council

Background

EU relations with Azerbaijan are based on the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, in force since 1999. The EU is the main investor in Azerbaijan and its largest trade partner.