The clashes between army forces and SDQ/YPG terrorists occurred in the eastern part of Syria's Aleppo province on September 6. According to Sham TV, missile and artillery strikes were used in the fighting. Government forces blocked roads leading to areas controlled by the SDQ in the Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo provinces. In turn, the terrorists also barricaded crossings connecting the eastern and western banks of the Euphrates River in the Deir ez-Zor province.

Syria's SANA news agency reported that 3 soldiers and one civilian were killed as a result of units from the "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDQ) coalition, consisting of Kurdish militants, firing on checkpoints established by government forces around the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud districts north of Aleppo.

It should be noted that previously, Kurds held mass protests in Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud, demanding the authorities immediately lift the siege on Kurdish areas where 500,000 people live. They called on the SDQ to protect the Kurdish population of Aleppo.

Azzam al-Gharib, the Governor of Aleppo Province, stated that the forces of the Ministry of Internal Security and Defense are trying to protect the safety of citizens and have no intention of military escalation. He reported that the armed confrontation between the Syrian army and members of the PKK/YPG group (who call themselves the "Syrian Democratic Forces" - ed.) occurred after continuous violations carried out by the terrorists.

The Governor added that events on the ground are being monitored through direct contact with the relevant structures. He emphasized that the government is striving to show patience and remain committed to the March 10 agreement, and that opportunities for dialogue are still open.

Al-Gharib urged residents to stay in their homes tonight and keep as far away as possible from the conflict zones.

Finally, a ceasefire agreement was reached on September 7 in the Aleppo province after confrontations between Syrian security forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDQ) in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods. An official speaking to Syria's state news channel "Al-Ikhbariya" reported this. It was noted that the ceasefire between the parties came into force after the clashes with the SDQ.

At the same time, the Aleppo Governorate announced a temporary suspension of operations for all state and educational institutions in the city starting October 7.

Nureddin Baba, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, stated on state television that 25 civilians were wounded as a result of the PKK/YPG attacks. It was also noted that one journalist suffered minor injuries during the clashes.

It should be noted that the confrontations began in the morning when PKK/YPG snipers positioned in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods targeted security forces checkpoints. By evening, the situation had escalated further, with the group shelling residential areas with artillery and mortars. As a result, dozens of families were forced to leave their homes.

According to political scientist Elshan Manafov, as early as March of this year, based on an agreement reached between Abu Mazdi, the commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDQ) deployed in northeastern Syria, and Ahmed Ash-Shaara, the head of the Syrian Transitional Government, Kurdish volunteers who laid down their arms were supposed to be integrated into the Syrian army and cooperate with the transitional government in the struggle for a new Syria. However, for several days now, bloody battles between the parties have resumed around Aleppo.

• Kurdish Demands: The Syrian Democratic Forces alliance demands that the transitional government recognize their right to autonomy in northeastern Syria, as well as their independence in matters related to oil production and distribution.

• Threat to Sovereignty: "This, to some extent, calls into question the sovereign right of the transitional government in certain territories."

• External Influence: "It is not excluded that the appeal of the mentioned wing of the PKK to the Syrian transitional government involves the interests of Israel, which seeks to pressure official Ankara regarding the resolution of the Syrian problem. It is also interesting that the bloody battles around Aleppo resumed shortly after Turkish President Erdogan's official visit to the US, and the Kurdish volunteer units there are fighting with financial and military support from the US."

• Potential Pressure on Turkey: "It cannot be ruled out that the US is using this method to try to 'bring to heel' official Ankara, which is not acting in line with Israel's interests regarding the Gaza issue, and to push it toward concessions on matters related to the geopolitical future of the region."

Across Europe and its neighbourhood, youth movements are proving to be a driving force for democracy. From student-led protests in Serbia to grassroots initiatives in Eastern Partnership countries, young people are challenging authoritarian tendencies and demanding greater transparency in governance.

On August 30th, I will participate in the LYMEC Digital Assembly 2025, which will focus on “Serbian students in the fight against authoritarianism.” This event will gather youth leaders, policymakers, and activists from across Europe to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing democratic movements today.

I look forward to sharing Azerbaijan’s perspective during the discussions and learning how European youth organisations can work together to support these efforts.

#YouthDemocracy #EU #EasternPartnership #LYMEC #CivicEngagement

BREAKING: The United States has successfully mediated a landmark peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House. Here’s what each party stands to gain from today's agreements:

Armenia

• Achieves formal normalization of diplomatic relations with both Azerbaijan and the United States.

• Secures U.S. economic partnership and potential infrastructure investments in the region.

• Avoids further isolation in the South Caucasus and prevents future large-scale military conflict.

• Maintains sovereignty over the Zangezur corridor, while leasing development rights for 99 years.

Azerbaijan

• Wins the repeal of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act in the U.S., paving the way for direct military cooperation.

• Strengthens its territorial integrity through the Zangezur corridor.

• Shifts away from Russian and OSCE mediation efforts, gaining greater independence on the international stage.

• Ensures infrastructure investment through the development of U.S.-led strategic transit lines.

The United States

• Scores a rare foreign policy victory in a volatile region, re-establishing influence in the South Caucasus.

• Obtains exclusive development rights for a strategically vital corridor connecting Europe and Asia.

• Counters Russian and Iranian influence in the region through economic and diplomatic expansion.

• Brands the deal under the Trump-developed TRIPP initiative, attracting both traditional and international clients.

There are reports that a peace agreement could be signed between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in the United States within the next 24 hours. The core of this proposed deal is a commercial and infrastructure plan known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This initiative is specifically designed to address a central issue dividing the two nations: transport connectivity. 

In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity, Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom have commenced subsea marine surveys in the Caspian Sea. The objective is to pave the way for the installation of a new fiber-optic cable linking Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. A specialized vessel has departed from the port of Bautino to meticulously examine the seabed. Its mission is to analyze water depth, underwater currents, soil composition and density, as well as any potential submerged hazards.

This crucial phase, covering the planned cable route from Aktau's shore to Sumgayit on the Azerbaijani side, is expected to take approximately one month. The survey is being conducted simultaneously by teams from both countries. International specialists, utilizing sophisticated equipment and positioning systems, are tasked with a detailed study of the subsea path. The collected data will be instrumental in finalizing the cable's configuration and determining its precise laying route.

"Back in March, we, along with AzerTelecom and our contractors, completed the preliminary desktop and coastal surveys in the Aktau and Sumgayit areas to identify suitable locations for the landing points and necessary coastal infrastructure. Now, we are embarking on the offshore survey using specially equipped ships. Following these explorations, we will move to the cable preparation, transportation, and installation phase on the Caspian seabed. This cable will be the first subsea optical link in the history of the Caspian Sea, effectively creating a 'telecommunications bridge' between Asia and Europe, capable of supporting high-speed data transmission up to 400 Tbit/s," stated Bagdat Mussin, Chairman of the Board at Kazakhtelecom.

The Trans-Caspian underwater optical highway is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

"The establishment of a new data flow route from Asia to Europe, passing through Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, offers the region significant opportunities for digital economic growth and solidifying its position as a major technological hub. The implementation of this project not only lays the foundation for expanding the telecommunications infrastructure of the participating nations and their companies but also enables the launch of new large-scale initiatives. Ultimately, this will deepen regional partnership and serve as a vital catalyst for the sustainable development of both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan," added Bagdat Mussin.

As a reminder, in August 2023, Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom formed a joint venture to oversee the construction and operation of this intercontinental link. The cable installation will be handled by a leading global provider of reliable and innovative subsea systems.

Cooperation with the European Union is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Azerbaijan is a highly active participant in the EU's Eastern Partnership program, and the EU, in turn, is one of Azerbaijan's largest trade partners. Over recent years, both sides have demonstrated a clear and mutual interest in elevating their relationship across all levels.

The bilateral framework for this partnership has historically been defined by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), signed in 1996 and effective since 1999. The PCA serves as the legal foundation for relations, outlining cooperation in all areas except military affairs. Initially a 10-year agreement, its validity has been automatically extended on an annual basis since 2009 while negotiations for a new accord are underway.

The dynamic between Azerbaijan and the EU is a reflection of converging interests. Azerbaijan is driven by its own geostrategic, economic, and political ambitions, while the EU is motivated by its geopolitical interests in the South Caucasus. The partnership is two-pronged, encompassing both bilateral and multilateral tracks. While the EU engages with Azerbaijan and other partner countries on both fronts, Azerbaijan has consistently shown a preference for strengthening bilateral relations.

Eastern Partnership and Future Prospects

The Eastern Partnership serves as a valuable platform for Azerbaijan to advance its national interests within the context of regional policy. It facilitates the launch of various initiatives and contributes to the bilateral cooperation agenda by providing a multilateral forum for exchanging views on key issues.

Looking forward, the prospects for developing this relationship are shaped by the new geopolitical reality in the region. The post-war period, the reconstruction of Azerbaijan's liberated territories, and the implementation of regional transport projects are all being discussed as potential new avenues for collaboration. These developments are seen as creating a fresh impetus for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In response to these opportunities, Baku has proposed a new, comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which is positioned as a mutually beneficial alternative to an "associative membership" format with the EU. Following the 2015 Riga Summit, a qualitatively new agenda was initiated in EU-Azerbaijan relations. Azerbaijan's firm and clear stance on this matter was well-received in Brussels, leading to high-level visits by EU leaders to Baku and the granting of a mandate to negotiate a new bilateral agreement to replace the PCA.

The U.S. President is on a five-day visit to Scotland, where he is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, his arrival has been overshadowed by controversial statements on immigration and a continued critique of renewable energy, alongside planned visits to his family's golf courses.

Upon his arrival, President Donald Trump immediately addressed the issue of immigration, declaring it is "killing Europe." Responding to a journalist's question, he urged European nations to "get yourselves in order. Otherwise, you're not going to have a Europe anymore." Trump further stated, "You have to stop this terrible invasion," praising unnamed leaders who, he claimed, prevented such events in their countries but were not "properly rewarded."

A central focus of his official agenda includes discussions with Ursula von der Leyen, primarily concerning the prospects of a new trade deal between the United States and the European Union. Should an agreement not materialize, the U.S. has indicated it may impose 30 percent tariffs on the EU as early as August 1. Trump expressed optimism on Friday, calling a potential trade agreement with the EU "the biggest deal of all, if we make it." Meanwhile, EU member states have already approved their own list of countermeasures should negotiations fail.

The President also used his platform to reiterate his long-standing opposition to wind energy, calling for Europe to "stop the windmills." He claimed that wind farms are "destroying your countries... destroying your beautiful fields and valleys, killing your birds." Trump has been a consistent critic of wind power, a stance notably influenced by a past legal dispute. His company, the Trump Organization, was ordered to cover the Scottish government's legal costs after his golf course in Aberdeenshire lost a lawsuit challenging the construction of a nearby wind farm, arguing it obstructed scenic views for golfers.

During his visit, Trump is expected to tour his Aberdeenshire golf course ahead of its August 13 opening, as well as another property near Turnberry, both owned by his family.

The European Union and China have reached a preliminary agreement aimed at easing Beijing's restrictions on the export of critical rare earth elements. These curbs, imposed in early April amidst ongoing trade disputes with the United States, had caused significant alarm across the EU, threatening to disrupt vital defense, energy, and automotive industries reliant on these essential materials.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated after a one-day summit in Beijing that these export controls had put considerable strain on European companies, emphasizing the need for reliable and secure supplies of critical raw materials from China to maintain trust in trade relations. She commended China's efforts to expedite export licenses and establish a new mechanism to address supply chain barriers and delays.

Trade Imbalance and Market Access Remain Sticking Points

Despite the breakthrough on rare earths, Von der Leyen underscored that much more progress is needed to rebalance trade relations between the EU and China. Last year, the EU recorded a trade deficit with China exceeding 300 billion euros, a figure that could potentially increase by 2025 due to sluggish consumer demand in China and high tariffs previously imposed by the US.

She articulated that a "clear tipping point" had been reached, stressing that for trade to remain mutually beneficial, it must become more balanced. While Europe welcomes competition, it insists that it must be fair.

Beyond rare earth restrictions, Von der Leyen highlighted two other critical areas for immediate progress: ensuring broader and freer access to the Chinese market for European companies, mirroring the access Chinese firms enjoy in Europe; and addressing the issue of excessive industrial capacity in China, which is fueled by generous state subsidies that artificially lower prices and disadvantage international competitors.

Recent trade tensions flared in October when the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to offset state aid received by their manufacturers. Beijing, terming this a "pure act of protectionism," retaliated with inspections on EU cognac, pork, and dairy products, actions that Brussels deemed unfair and unjustified. The summit, as anticipated, yielded no significant progress on these broader trade issues. Von der Leyen warned that if China does not make concessions on industrial overcapacity, "the EU will find it difficult to maintain the current level of openness". António Costa, head of the European Council, echoed these concerns, calling for fair and mutually beneficial trade relations.

Ukraine War: A Persistent Geopolitical Divide

Another contentious issue where no progress was made was Russia's war in Ukraine. The EU has repeatedly accused China of acting as a "key facilitator" by supplying 80% of the components necessary for the Kremlin's weapons production. Beijing has rejected these accusations, reaffirming its "no limits" partnership with Moscow.

Costa emphasized that the war in Ukraine extends far beyond Europe, constituting a global conflict with far-reaching consequences that undermines the international rules-based system. Both Von der Leyen and Costa urged China to leverage its influence to compel Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, a long-sought objective that Western allies have struggled to achieve despite numerous sanctions. Von der Leyen stated that "how China continues to engage with Putin's war will be a defining factor for our relations in the future".

The summit concluded with a joint declaration on climate action in anticipation of COP30.

The creation of new cross-border transport corridors is a cornerstone of global economic development and a key factor in reshaping international politics. Such projects, designed to shorten trade routes and enhance connectivity, invariably create clear winners and losers. With a new agreement to link Central and South Asia, the primary beneficiary is undeniably China.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have signed a trilateral framework agreement to conduct a joint feasibility study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project. This proposed rail line is poised to become a critical component of a new continental trade route, and China's role is set to be pivotal for two key reasons.

Firstly, Chinese technology and expertise are indispensable for the construction of the UAP. The railway is slated to traverse the rugged Hindu Kush mountains, a task comparable in technical complexity to China's own Qinghai-Tibet railway. Having successfully overcome this challenge, Beijing possesses unique experience and leading-edge technologies in building high-altitude rail lines, as well as the specialized engineering for tunnels and bridges required for such a demanding terrain.

Secondly, the UAP project holds immense strategic value for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The new line will seamlessly integrate with the existing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), effectively closing a critical gap between the southern and northern arms of the BRI megaproject. When viewed in conjunction with the recently launched China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway, the UAP project helps to form a grand continental bridge connecting China, Central Asia, and South Asia, with the long-term potential to extend its reach all the way to the European Union.

The realm of online commerce is poised for significant expansion globally and within Azerbaijan, a trend profoundly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid shift to remote services and online purchasing during periods of restricted movement fueled an unprecedented demand for digital solutions.

Current estimates place the global e-commerce market at a staggering $6-7 trillion, representing approximately 20 percent of total world trade. This segment is experiencing an annual growth rate of 8-9 percent, with projections indicating it could reach $9-10 trillion by 2030. While nations like the UK and China have seen e-commerce account for over a third of their total retail turnover, countries in the Central Asian region, including Azerbaijan, are currently behind global averages. Nevertheless, the growth potential in these markets remains remarkably high. Azerbaijan, in particular, has consistently observed double-digit annual growth in its e-commerce sector, benefiting from an increasingly favorable environment for digital payment services.

Regulatory Support and Key Global Trends

Azerbaijan's digital economy development is actively supported by its Central Bank, which has undertaken crucial initiatives. These include the enactment of a law on payment services and payment systems in 2023, the launch of a regulatory sandbox, and the implementation of multi-year strategies for financial sector development. The 2021-2023 strategy was successfully completed, and the 2024-2026 strategy is now in progress. Such measures are instrumental in fostering not only e-commerce and digital payments but also the broader fintech market.

Among the transformative global trends influencing e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a pivotal driver. AI facilitates process automation and enables highly personalized consumer experiences. Azerbaijan is already witnessing the adoption of AI, from sophisticated chatbots to individualized product recommendation systems on marketplaces. Globally, the integration of AI agents is gaining traction; for instance, the Visa Intelligent Commerce initiative is pioneering an innovative approach to buyer-seller interaction. This "intelligent" agent can manage routine tasks such as product discovery, comparison, and cart assembly, allowing users to simply make the final purchase decision. This dual benefit of AI provides businesses with optimization tools and offers consumers enhanced choice and time savings, particularly when navigating numerous promotions.

Beyond AI, mobile commerce represents another robust trend, with a rising number of Azerbaijani consumers opting for online purchases via mobile applications rather than traditional web interfaces. Local market players are actively adapting their services to mobile platforms to cater to this growing demand. Furthermore, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, where manufacturers engage directly with end-users, is fostering the growth of social commerce on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. While Azerbaijani businesses are increasingly leveraging these channels, a common challenge involves payment methods, often relying on inconvenient direct transfers. Solutions are being developed to provide small and medium-sized businesses with seamless and convenient payment acceptance options.

Innovations in Payment Technology and Future Outlook

Advancements in payment technology are streamlining the e-commerce experience. Solutions like Visa Click to Pay allow users to securely store card details for one-click payments across various platforms, especially effective when combined with Visa Payment Passkey for biometric authentication. Additionally, Tap to Phone technology transforms a seller's smartphone into a contactless payment terminal, eliminating the need for extra hardware. Platforms like Cybersource also offer rapid and cost-efficient electronic acquiring, providing access to a full suite of modern payment services.

Other significant global trends poised to impact Azerbaijan include the rapid expansion of B2B e-commerce and related platforms. "Quick commerce," where speed of delivery is paramount, is also emerging as a critical factor. Prolonged waiting times for goods often deter buyers, leading consumers to prefer immediate in-store purchases. Consequently, express delivery services and AI-powered logistics technologies are gaining traction, with drone delivery even being piloted in some countries.

Logistics remains a key barrier to e-commerce development in Azerbaijan, particularly concerning extended delivery times to regional areas. In response, the state-backed "Online-Azerbaijan" project aims to extend internet access to the most remote parts of the country. This fundamental infrastructure initiative is expected to yield tangible results soon, driving further growth in Azerbaijan's e-commerce landscape.

The proposed land link between Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan continues to be a point of contention, with Yerevan and Baku holding fundamentally different interpretations of its status. Following the 44-day Karabakh War, Armenia has consistently stated its willingness to provide a road through its territory, explicitly ruling out an extraterritorial corridor. Conversely, Azerbaijan and Turkey steadfastly advocate for what they term the "Zangezur Corridor."

The debate over granting Armenia's sovereign territory for transit gained fresh impetus after direct talks between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi. While synchronized official statements from the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministries broadly referred to discussions on normalizing interstate relations, Azerbaijani media outlets immediately reported from Abu Dhabi that the focus was on "the opening and development of the Zangezur Corridor." Yerevan promptly refuted this, clarifying that "all positions expressed in Abu Dhabi are outlined in the 'Crossroads of Peace' project." Adding a new layer to the discussion, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, publicly suggested Washington could lease a 32km section of road in Armenia's Syunik region for 100 years, confirming hitherto speculated American involvement in the project.

Road vs. Corridor: Technicalities and Principles

The concept of a transit route through Armenia has been debated for five years. Yerevan has offered two primary options for connecting Baku and Nakhchivan via Syunik Province: a railway and a highway. The proposed railway route, approximately 41-43 km, would run through Meghri, connecting Horadiz (Azerbaijan) to Ordubad (Nakhchivan) via the Julfa station in Iran—a path reportedly agreed upon by the trilateral working group of deputy prime ministers (Overchuk-Grigoryan-Mustafaev).

For the automotive route, seemingly the focus of the U.S. Ambassador's remarks, two alternatives exist. However, neither measures precisely 32 km; estimates range from 40 to 48 km depending on the specific segment. A direct highway from Karahunj to Angeghakot, where Yerevan envisions establishing checkpoints upon unblocking, would span just over 48 km. A more likely alternative, running parallel to the railway, would see goods from Baku reaching Aghband (Zangilan/Kovsakan), continuing through Meghri, and exiting into Nakhchivan near Ordubad.

Crucially, Armenia adamantly opposes any extraterritorial status for the transit. Yerevan insists that all goods entering Armenian territory must undergo customs clearance by Armenian border guards or an international operating company. Armenia has proposed "front-office and back-office" or "reciprocity" principles for these sections. Yerevan is open to entrusting customs procedures to an international company, provided it also conducts similar controls in Baku. Amid assurances from the Armenian Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister’s press secretary that no transfer of road management to a third party is being considered, the term "road outsourcing" has emerged. Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledged that U.S. proposals for this procedure interested his government. However, experts note a shift in his rhetoric, particularly the abandonment of the "reciprocity" principle, which was previously one of the four key tenets for regional unblocking (alongside territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction).

Turkey's Strategic Vision and Regional Repercussions

Azerbaijan and Turkey, however, reject the principle of reciprocity, advocating for a "corridor logic" for the Nakhchivan link. Recent statements from Ankara and Baku reinforce this stance. Korsak Zorlu, Deputy Chairman of Turkey's Justice and Development Party, recently described joint steps towards the "Zangezur Corridor" as a historic process for both Turkey and the broader Turkic world, symbolizing not just economic but deep political and cultural convergence among Turkic states.

Currently, communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan primarily occurs via air or a less developed overland route through Iran. This Iranian route, though existing, is deemed costly for cargo transport by Baku, fueling the desire for a direct path through Armenia. Iran has proposed an alternative road, 5 km from the Armenian border and 9 km longer than the Meghri route, connecting Aghband to Nakhchivan via an Iranian segment. However, Ankara rejects this due to Iranian control over the transit section.

The so-called "Zangezur Corridor" is seen as primarily serving Turkey's expansive strategic agenda: establishing hegemony from the South Caucasus to Central Asia. The route is envisioned for future integration with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. By securing the "Zangezur Corridor," Ankara aims to consolidate its influence in the South Caucasus, effectively sidelining Russia. This would significantly elevate the Middle Corridor's role, with Turkey occupying a pivotal position, thereby solidifying its economic and political integration with Turkic states and its standing as a strategic bridge between Asia and Europe.

To bolster its position, Ankara has also been investing in the ambitious "Development Road" project since 2023, utilizing UAE funds to construct Iraq's Grand Faw port near the Persian Gulf. This project is poised to become one of the largest and deepest-water ports in the Middle East. President Erdoğan's broader vision seeks to establish control over trade routes and commodity flows, simultaneously diminishing the influence of Russia, Iran, and India in two crucial regions. Ankara's growing logistical control could also exacerbate Armenia's transport blockade.

The full realization of these projects, particularly Ankara's access to the "Zangezur Corridor," raises significant questions about the sovereignty of not only Armenia but the entire South Caucasus. Such developments could also dilute China's presence in the region and undermine transport initiatives spearheaded by Iran in cooperation with Armenia, as well as Russia's nearly complete North-South international transport corridor. Consequently, Armenia is urged to stand firm against Turkish plans while safeguarding its involvement in projects with Russia, India, and Iran.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has announced that Baku is actively preparing documents to file a lawsuit against the Russian Federation in international judicial bodies concerning the crash of an AZAL aircraft in Aktau.

Aliyev stated that despite the "crystal clear" nature of the incident involving the AZAL plane, Azerbaijan has not received any definitive answers from the Russian side over the past seven months. He highlighted that inquiries from the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan to the head of Russia's Investigative Committee have consistently been met with the generic response: "the investigation is ongoing."

Describing this prolonged lack of clarity as "counterproductive," President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's resolve to seek justice through international legal channels. He drew a parallel with the more than decade-long investigation into the Malaysian Boeing catastrophe, emphasizing Azerbaijan's willingness to persevere. "We will not forget. We are now preparing, and have already informed the Russian side, that we are compiling a dossier for submission to international judicial bodies on this matter. We understand this may take time... We are ready to wait ten years, but justice must prevail," Aliyev asserted, noting that the unresolved situation negatively affects bilateral relations between Russia and and Azerbaijan.

The European Union has unveiled its ambitious budget proposal for the 2028-2034 period, projecting approximately €2 trillion in expenditures – a near doubling compared to the current seven-year financial framework. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen championed this significant increase, framing it as a direct response to a "crisis mentality" cultivated by years of relentless global challenges.

A Budget Forged in Crisis

Von der Leyen candidly admitted that her inspiration for this unprecedented €2 trillion budget stemmed from her personal experience navigating successive crises. During her six years in Brussels, the EU has faced an unending series of trials: a global pandemic, the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, soaring energy prices, record inflation, escalating unfair competition from China, devastating natural disasters, rapid technological shifts, persistent cyberattacks, and sabotage against critical infrastructure. Even a lingering tariff dispute with the United States remains unresolved.

This relentless succession of challenges has placed immense pressure on the bloc's common budget, forcing von der Leyen to seek additional financial top-ups from the leaders of the 27 member states even mid-mandate. She confessed that reacting swiftly with sufficient financial power has consistently proven "extremely difficult," noting that 90% of existing funds are already "tied up," leaving minimal room for maneuver. "We need more flexibility," von der Leyen asserted, advocating for an end to the tradition of fixing all expenditures for a full seven years.

Key Pillars of the Ambitious Plan

Ursula von der Leyen outlined five pivotal directions for the EU's financial roadmap over the next seven years:

National and Regional Partnership Plans: Allocated €865 billion, these will serve as the primary platform for investments and reforms, continuing to prioritize cohesion policy and agriculture. The Commission's proposal to merge these two largest funding areas, however, has already drawn criticism from some member states.

Migration and Border Management: Investments in this critical area are set to triple, underscoring von der Leyen's belief that "Europe's borders are a shared responsibility."

Disaster Response: The EU's Solidarity Fund is also slated for a threefold increase, designed to enable swift and decisive action in the event of future catastrophes.

Boosting Competitiveness: A major focus includes climate-related spending of €700 billion, crucial for enhancing Europe's global economic standing.

Defense, Space, and Global Influence: Significant funds are earmarked for strengthening the EU's position on the world stage, alongside the creation of a special crisis mechanism, projected to reach nearly €400 billion.

Support for Ukraine and Rule of Law

The proposed budget notably includes €100 billion in aid for Ukraine, specifically designated to support the country's "recovery, resilience, and its path towards EU membership." Brussels clarified that these funds would be channeled through the "Ukraine Facility."

A significant innovation in von der Leyen's budget is the stringent linking of EU budget disbursements to member states' adherence to the principles of the rule of law. During her first mandate, billions of euros for Poland and Hungary were frozen due to democratic backsliding and legal infringements. While those freezes affected only a portion of subsidies, von der Leyen now intends to tie all future payouts directly to countries' efforts in upholding legality. "The rule of law is a prerequisite for any funding from the EU budget," she declared, emphasizing a commitment to responsible spending, full accountability, and robust safeguards in the interest of citizens.

Strengthening European Defense

A clear consequence of Russia's war against Ukraine has been a intensified focus on bolstering Europe's defense capabilities. EU leaders have set 2030 as the target date for achieving readiness to deter potential Russian aggression.

Meeting this objective requires substantial investment. Von der Leyen's plan allocates €131 billion for the development of defense and space sectors. To stimulate internal production, she advocates for a "Buy European" policy. Furthermore, the politician proposes dedicating more EU funds to transport infrastructure for military mobility, enabling armed forces to "move faster, better, and together."

Funding the Ambition: New Revenue Streams

Such ambitious goals come at a price. Von der Leyen's €2 trillion budget proposal represents a substantial leap from the current financial plan. However, she asserts that this financial surge need not burden member states, provided they grant the European Commission the authority to raise funds independently.

Traditionally, Brussels has relied on two main resources: customs duties and value-added tax, to partially cover expenditures. Von der Leyen now seeks to introduce five additional revenue sources. Two are rooted in the bloc's climate policy: the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which would impose an additional price on carbon-intensive imports entering the EU. Additionally, von der Leyen proposes three new taxes: on electronic waste (e-waste), tobacco products, and companies with an annual turnover exceeding €100 million.

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are reportedly making arrangements for a potential meeting in Istanbul, tentatively scheduled for July 23 or 24. While the exact venue, timing, and composition of the delegations remain undisclosed, diplomatic sources indicate that the discussions are expected to be closed to the press.

This upcoming session would mark the third round of negotiations between the two countries to be held in Istanbul. Sources close to Russian media outlets have also confirmed plans for this meeting, following a proposal from Ukrainian authorities to convene talks this week.

Previous discussions, which took place on May 16 and June 2, successfully led to agreements on prisoner exchanges. Those earlier rounds also saw both delegations presenting memorandums outlining conditions for a potential ceasefire.