Factsheet: EU and Azerbaijan
November 14, 2021

Factsheet: EU and Azerbaijan


The EU and Azerbaijan relations are based on the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in force since 1999. Negotiations on a new and upgraded framework agreement designed to reflect the enhanced and mutually beneficial EU-Azerbaijan cooperation in a wide range of areas, strengthen policy dialogue in key sectors and boost trade are at an advanced stage. Cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan is also guided by the joint Partnership Priorities in place since 2018. The EU is a key reform partner in Azerbaijan and brings best practices and experience to a wide range of sectors. Azerbaijan is one of the main beneficiaries of the Twinning instrument, profiting from peer-to-peer training and exchange with the EU Member State public administrations.

The EU is the largest donor to civil society in the country. During 2019-2020, EU support benefited more than 300 local civil society and grassroots initiatives, making a difference for youth, gender equality and the most vulnerable people.

The EU is Azerbaijan’s main trading partner, but also its main investor in the non-oil sector playing a key role in the diversification of its economy.

Azerbaijan is a key partner in the area of transport and logistics. Since 2019, the EU has established a high-level transport dialogue.

RECOVERY. RESILIENCE. REFORM

ECONOMY
EU invested to support close to 17,500 SMEs, of which 47% are women-owned, to increase their competitiveness and market opportunities.

INSTITUTIONS
EU helps to promote better access to justice for citizens and businesses, via legal aid, alternative dispute resolution and fight against corruption. Since 2018, more than 6,700 vulnerable persons received free legal aid in Baku and the regions.

GREEN
EU and Azerbaijan are working closely to advance the country’s prospects for achieving its environmental and climate change related goals. Azerbaijan joined the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) and adopted an Energy efficiency law.

DIGITAL
EU and Azerbaijan are working to prepare country’s public administration for digital transformation such as the use of digital signature and e-commerce frameworks.

ECONOMIC & INVESTMENT PLAN

The EU supports Azerbaijan with concrete investments to help post-pandemic recovery and improve the lives of Azerbaijani citizens. In the coming years, the EU will invest in the following five flagship projects:

  • Port of Baku as a sustainable hub for movement of goods and services
  • Digitalisation of transport corridors in Azerbaijan
  • Supporting the competitiveness of 25,000 startups and SMEs
  • Access to credit for small and mediumsized farms and food business operators
  • Five smart and green cities with landfills, street lighting and electric trams

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The EU reacted fast and responded to the urgent needs of Azerbaijan and its citizens. As part of Team Europe, the EU mobilised a tailor-made COVID-19 response package of almost €32 million to support immediate needs and socio-economic recovery. These funds helped to provide targeted assistance to the Azerbaijan’s public health system, including 20 hospitals and 5 primary healthcare facilities as well as provisioning essential medical supplies for patient care. The EU also supported the training of more than 2,900 health care workers, 98 laboratory technicians, 1,400 medical and nursing students and other health professionals, including in such areas as mental health and psychosocial support, infection prevention and public hygiene. Azerbaijan receives vaccines through the COVAX Facility, supported by Team Europe with over €3 billion, and bilaterally from EU Member States.

European Commission: ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/azerbaijan l twitter.com/eu_near
European External Action Service: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/azerbaijan l twitter.com/eu_eeas

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