I grew up in Azerbaijan, in the heart of the South Caucasus — a region often seen through the lens of geopolitics, as a chessboard where larger powers compete. But for me, it is not only about geopolitics. It is about the future of my generation, and about the choice between isolation or integration. I'm deeply inspired by European political thought and leadership, and I believe Azerbaijan's future lies in closer alignment with European values — not just in economics or security, but in shared principles. To prepare myself for studying in Europe, I actively run my blog Geopolitical Compass, where I publish analysis on global affairs. I regularly engage with international thinkers through reading and participate in webinars and events to expand my understanding and stay connected with global discourse. 

When I look at Europe, I see more than institutions and policies. I see a space of freedom, democracy, and opportunities for young people to learn, to innovate, and to connect with the world. This is what inspires me as a young Azerbaijani: the possibility of building a society where rights are protected, where voices are heard, and where citizens trust their institutions.

The Eastern Partnership was never meant to be about full integration into the EU, but rather about supporting democratic values and shared prosperity. Yet today, three of its six members — Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia — have become EU candidates. Armenia is also shifting closer to Brussels, and I believe Azerbaijan, too, must one day make this choice if it wants to remain both independent and democratic. Even Belarus, once political change comes, could move in that direction. Russia’s war in Ukraine has ironically accelerated this process — by attacking Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has only pushed the region closer to Europe.

For my generation in the South Caucasus, Europe is not just about strategy — it is about belonging. We want to study at European universities, take part in exchanges, learn how democracy really works, and bring those lessons home. We want Europe not to see us only as a geopolitical borderland, but as a community of young people determined to shape our future.

What do I expect from the EU-South Caucasus partnership? I expect Europe to treat us as partners in building democracy, not as pawns in a rivalry with Moscow. I expect investments not only in pipelines and infrastructure, but also in education, civil society, and opportunities for youth. Because if we are given the chance, we will choose Europe — not only as an ally, but as our future.

1. Heading: Deepening Ties: Azerbaijan's Evolving Relationship with the European Union

• Content Idea: Introduce the significance of the Azerbaijan-EU relationship. Emphasize Azerbaijan's strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, its role as a key energy partner, and its commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the EU, based on shared interests in regional stability, economic development, and adherence to international law.

2. Energy Cooperation: Beyond Traditional Supplies

• Heading: Securing Europe's Energy Future: Azerbaijan's Pivotal Role

• Content Idea:

  • Highlight Azerbaijan's historical and ongoing role as a reliable energy supplier to the EU, especially concerning natural gas (e.g., Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, TAP projects).

  • Transition to the growing focus on green energy. Discuss Azerbaijan's vast renewable energy potential (wind, solar, hydropower) and its ambition to become a green energy exporter.

  • Explain how EU investments and expertise are crucial for developing this sector in Azerbaijan, contributing to Europe's green transition and global climate goals. Mention specific EU initiatives or programs supporting this.

3. Economic Diversification & Trade Expansion

• Heading: Unlocking Economic Potential: Trade and Investment Growth

• Content Idea:

  • Discuss the current state of trade relations, highlighting key sectors.

  • Elaborate on how cooperation with the EU supports Azerbaijan's economic diversification agenda, moving beyond hydrocarbons.

  • Address the importance of increasing non-oil trade, attracting EU investments into sectors like agriculture, IT, tourism, and manufacturing.

  • Mention efforts to align regulatory frameworks with EU standards to facilitate trade and create a more attractive investment climate.

4. Connectivity & Transport: The Middle Corridor's Nexus

• Heading: Bridging Continents: Azerbaijan as a Gateway to Eurasian Connectivity

  • Emphasize Azerbaijan's critical role as a key transit country for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).

  • Explain how this corridor is vital for diversifying trade routes between Asia and Europe, offering a reliable, efficient, and geopolitically stable alternative.

  • Detail Azerbaijan's investments in port infrastructure (Baku International Sea Trade Port), railways, and logistics centers that enhance the corridor's capacity, directly benefiting EU-Asia trade and connectivity.

5. Governance, Reforms & People-to-People Contacts

• Heading: Advancing Reforms and Building Bridges Between Societies

• Content Idea:

  • Discuss cooperation in areas of good governance, rule of law, and institutional reforms, aligning with EU best practices.

  • Highlight the importance of people-to-people contacts, educational programs (e.g., Erasmus+), youth exchanges, and cultural dialogues in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening societal ties.

  • Mention EU support for civil society development and human capital enhancement in Azerbaijan.

6. Regional Security & Future Outlook

• Heading: Common Ground for Stability and Future Growth

• Content Idea:

  • Address the shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

  • Conclude with a forward-looking perspective on the strategic importance of the Azerbaijan-EU partnership, outlining ambitions for deeper integration, sustainable development, and enhanced geopolitical dialogue in a multipolar world.