Doc. 11160 rev.
26 January 2007

The role of Azerbaijan in ensuring energy security of Europe

Written Declaration No 388

This written declaration commits only the members who have signed it

Today, most European countries experience growing energy consumption followed by increasing dependence on imported fossil fuels. The year of 2006 was marked by raising global competition over primary energy resources driven by geopolitical developments, including economic and population growth. Having considered the economic and political implications of such growing energy dependence, one can imagine the processes especially when global reserves of fossil fuels will diminish dramatically. The matter of prevention of energy vulnerability of Europe as well as diversification of energy sector is of great importance for all European states.

Meanwhile, the realisation of the world biggest energy project Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main oil pipeline in 2006 had opened the perspectives for expansion of international cooperation in the sphere of energy security. The construction of another important energy project Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, being considered as one of the major alternative energy resource for Europe, would play essential role in diversification of energy sector of Europe.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership on Energy signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union on 7 November 2006 is another vivid demonstration of Azerbaijan’s commitment to play a crucial role in building energy security of the European family.

Signed: 1