{"id":59605,"date":"2026-07-23T05:45:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T05:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/59605\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T05:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T05:45:10","slug":"azerbaijan-germany-partnership-in-an-era-of-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/59605\/","title":{"rendered":"Azerbaijan\u2013Germany: Partnership in an era of change"},"content":{"rendered":"

Germany is today the leading country in the European Union<\/a> by all key indicators \u2014 economic size, population and political influence.<\/p>\n

With a GDP exceeding $5.45 trillion, Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the world’s fourth largest. It accounts for approximately 17% of the EU’s total economic output. Germany is also the European Union’s most populous member state, with more than 83.6 million inhabitants. Its political weight is equally significant. Alongside France, Germany serves as the principal driving force behind European integration and plays a decisive role in shaping EU policy.<\/p>\n

It is difficult to overstate the importance of a strategic partnership with such a country for Azerbaijan. In this case, however, the partnership is based on equality, shared interests and mutual benefit.<\/p>\n

During the years of independence, Azerbaijan has faced numerous challenges and extremely difficult circumstances. Successfully overcoming these difficulties, establishing itself as a recognised country and emerging as a middle power is a remarkable achievement that few states have managed to accomplish. These objective realities help explain why both Baku and President Ilham Aliyev enjoy respect and authority on the international stage.<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan is a relatively small state that has successfully defended its interests through a sound strategic approach, skilful diplomacy and national dignity. It has never sought to please others or win attention through concessions. Calmly and confidently, Baku has demonstrated that no major regional project can succeed without Azerbaijan. The country has not only claimed the status of a middle power but has also demonstrated its ability to defend and advance that position.<\/p>\n

The Azerbaijan\u2013Germany partnership<\/a> has a significant economic dimension. Germany ranks among the 10 largest importers of Azerbaijani oil, and this year Azerbaijani natural gas also began reaching the German market.<\/p>\n

\"Azerbaijan-Germany<\/p>\n

Source: APA<\/p>\n

Several figures illustrate the depth of bilateral economic relations. In 2025, trade between Azerbaijan and Germany amounted to approximately \u20ac1.7 billion, while during the first six months of 2026 it reached nearly $573 million. As noted, Azerbaijani exports to Germany continue to be dominated by oil. According to the latest data, Azerbaijan exported 360,300 tonnes of crude oil to Germany, valued at approximately $210.9 million. In return, Azerbaijan primarily imports German machinery, industrial equipment, electronics and automobiles. The trade imbalance nevertheless persists.<\/p>\n

As became clear from the statements made by the leaders of both countries in Baku, Azerbaijan and Germany are also interested in expanding cooperation in green energy. Another key area is transport connectivity and logistics. Germany has shown growing interest in the Middle Corridor, where Azerbaijan plays a central role. Germany-based international logistics group Rhenus Logistics, for example, is developing proprietary software to manage terminals and transshipment operations along the route.<\/p>\n

Political cooperation is no less important than economic ties.<\/p>\n

Germany is a serious and reliable partner with whom long-term planning is possible. These plans are not influenced by the Armenian lobby, whose impact in Germany remains relatively limited. Despite the activities of certain Bundestag members and members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe who have taken positions against Azerbaijan, bilateral relations between Baku and Berlin<\/a> have remained unaffected.<\/p>\n

In contrast to the efforts of Azerbaijan’s critics, an important document was signed in Berlin that will shape bilateral relations for years to come \u2014 the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership.<\/p>\n

It is worth recalling that during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Rome in February 2026<\/a>, Azerbaijan signed a similar agreement with Italy, the European Union’s third-largest economy. That document was titled the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Multidimensional Strategic Partnership.<\/p>\n

With the Berlin declaration, Baku has now established a strategic partnership with the EU’s largest economy and one of Europe’s most influential countries, both politically and militarily. This represents another important step towards strengthening Azerbaijan’s position within the European Union. It also enhances the country’s ability to counter attempts by individual states to undermine Azerbaijan’s interests in Europe.<\/p>\n

The document signed in Berlin elevates bilateral relations to the level of long-term strategic planning and institutional cooperation. The declaration outlines a comprehensive bilateral agenda covering political dialogue, the economy, energy, security, defence, science, technology, education and humanitarian cooperation. Importantly, it defines not only common objectives but also specific institutional mechanisms for achieving them.<\/p>\n

\"President<\/p>\n

Source: AzerTAG<\/p>\n

It is particularly noteworthy that Germany’s support for the peace process between Baku and Yerevan is reflected in the declaration. During President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings and joint press conference in Germany, this issue was repeatedly emphasised. Both sides underlined that lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus are important for Germany and the European Union. As the Azerbaijani president stated, “Azerbaijani-German relations will contribute not only to bilateral cooperation but also to peace, stability and cooperation throughout our region.”<\/p>\n

Among the strategic priorities identified in the declaration are cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries, collaboration between military educational institutions, and Germany’s participation in demining Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. Germany has already contributed financially and technically to demining efforts through both European Union mechanisms and its own initiatives. Earlier, Berlin announced \u20ac500,000 in financial assistance for demining activities.<\/p>\n

As part of efforts to elevate bilateral relations, Baku and Berlin also agreed to establish an Azerbaijan\u2013Germany Business Council. The creation of such a body has long been overdue. More than 250 companies with German capital currently operate in Azerbaijan in sectors including industry, construction, logistics and energy. By comparison, the number of Azerbaijani companies with representative offices in Germany remains relatively modest, although it is expected to grow as the bilateral economic agenda expands.<\/p>\n

The new level of cooperation with Germany fits naturally into the broader development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union. This trend is reflected in the growing number of visits to Baku by senior EU officials.<\/p>\n

On 1 July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Baku. In May, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, also visited Azerbaijan. Kallas succeeded Josep Borrell, whose tenure significantly complicated relations between Brussels and Baku. In March, Azerbaijan hosted European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa.<\/p>\n

Overall, interest in Azerbaijan among European countries has grown considerably in recent years. Following the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan moved beyond the category of a small state and began attracting much closer attention from Europe, which had previously viewed it primarily as a supplier of energy resources.<\/p>\n

By firmly establishing itself as a middle power, Azerbaijan has fundamentally changed how it is perceived. Neither the South Caucasus nor Europe’s approach to the region will ever be the same after the events of 2020. This reality is increasingly recognised within the European Union.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Russia’s war against Ukraine and the resulting disruption of transport and logistics routes prompted European countries to reassess Azerbaijan’s strategic importance. The removal of risks posed by the Karabakh conflict to international cooperation and regional transport corridors has created new opportunities. Today, Azerbaijan’s indispensable role is no longer in dispute.<\/p>\n

Since Azerbaijani natural gas began reaching Western Europe, including Austria and Germany, earlier this year, the list of countries interested in Caspian energy has grown even longer. Few would now dispute that Baku’s strategic plans have consistently achieved their objectives.<\/p>\n

By Tural Heybatov<\/p>\n

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