EU seeks treaty relationship with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on the building of a Trans Caspian Pipeline System

The European Union has adopted a mandate to negotiate a legally binding treaty between the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to build a Trans Caspian Pipeline System. This is the first time that the European Union has proposed a treaty in support of an infrastructure project.

The 27 member states of the EU have mandated the European Commission to lead the negotiations on the Treaty on their behalf.

This decision is a direct follow-up of the visit of President José Manuel Barroso and Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger to Baku and Ashgabat in January 2011 and their meetings with Presidents Aliyev and Berdimuhamedov. It constitutes a milestone in the realisation of the Southern Corridor and is the first operational decision as part of a co-ordinated and united external energy strategy, announced by the European Union earlier this month. (read it here)

Energy Commissioner Oettinger stated that: "Europe is now speaking with one voice. The trans-Caspian pipeline is a major project in the Southern Corridor to bring new sources of gas to Europe. We have the intention of achieving this as soon as possible."

The Trans-Caspian Pipeline agreement will set the basis for the construction of a submarine pipeline connecting Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, and in turn link this pipeline to infrastructure that will bring gas from Central Asia to the EU.

source: European Commission, with additional reporting by commonspace.eu

Picture: Map of the proposed Nabucco Pipeline. The proposed Trans Caspian Pipeline pipeline is expected to connect to Nabucco through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Azerbaijan hosts Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting to discuss security situation in Southern Syria

Azerbaijan hosts Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting to discuss security situation in Southern Syria

A Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting is taking place on Thursday 31 July in Baku to discuss security matters in southern Syria, a diplomat told AFP. The meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer follows a similar meeting between the two ministers in Paris last week. It will take place after an unprecedented visit by al-Shaibani to Moscow on Thursday, added the diplomat, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Israel and Syria have technically been at war since 1948.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Azerbaijan hosts Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting to discuss security situation in Southern Syria

Azerbaijan hosts Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting to discuss security situation in Southern Syria

A Syrian-Israeli ministerial meeting is taking place on Thursday 31 July in Baku to discuss security matters in southern Syria, a diplomat told AFP. The meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer follows a similar meeting between the two ministers in Paris last week. It will take place after an unprecedented visit by al-Shaibani to Moscow on Thursday, added the diplomat, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Israel and Syria have technically been at war since 1948.