Category: Azer News

Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen captured gold in the men’s downhill at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday, clocking 1 minute 51.61 seconds on the Stelvio course, Azernews reports.

Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni finished second, 0.20 seconds behind, while fellow Italian Dominik Paris took bronze, 0.50 seconds off the pace. Von Allmen’s teammates Marco Odermatt and Alexis Monney placed fifth and sixth.

The 24-year-old reigning world champion in men’s downhill now becomes the fifth Swiss racer to win Olympic gold, pairing his Cortina triumph with last season’s world title in Saalbach.

Despite the European Union’s accelerated energy transition, natural gas continues to play a stabilising role in the bloc’s energy mix. According to Eurostat, the EU’s inland demand for natural gas increased by 0.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 12.8 million terajoules. While modest at the aggregate level, this increase masks sharp divergences among member states.

Southern and Northern European countries recorded the strongest growth in consumption, with Greece (+31.3%), Finland (+9.5%) and Lithuania (+9.2%) leading the way. These increases largely reflect fuel-switching from coal, weather-related demand, and the need for flexible generation amid intermittent renewable output.

By contrast, significant declines were observed in Portugal, Malta and Croatia, highlighting the uneven pace of structural adjustment across the EU.

Germany, Italy and France remained the EU’s largest gas consumers in 2024, underscoring the continued importance of gas for industrial output, heating, and power generation in Europe’s core economies. This sustained demand in major markets reinforces the relevance of secure pipeline gas supplies, even as overall consumption gradually trends downward.

Looking ahead, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that OECD Europe’s natural gas demand will contract by 8-10% between 2024 and 2030. Crucially, this decline is not driven by supply insecurity, but by structural changes – particularly the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity and improved energy efficiency.

The power sector is expected to account for the bulk of the decline, with gas-to-power demand projected to fall by around 25% by 2030, equivalent to roughly 30 billion cubic meters. Renewable electricity generation in Europe is forecast to increase by more than 40% over the same period, progressively displacing gas-fired generation.

At the same time, gas demand in industry and the broader energy sector is expected to remain relatively resilient. Lower LNG prices and the need for stable baseload energy could even lead to a slight uptick in consumption in these segments. This suggests that while Europe’s gas market is shrinking in volume terms, it is becoming more selective – prioritising reliability, flexibility and price competitiveness.

Europe as a premium market for Azerbaijani gas

Against this backdrop, Europe remains a strategically attractive market for Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasised that Azerbaijan is the only country in the South Caucasus that not only possesses significant energy resources but also exports them regionally and beyond. Today, Azerbaijan supplies natural gas to 16 countries, 10 of which are EU member states, giving it the widest geographical coverage of pipeline gas exports globally.

From Baku’s perspective, the European market offers two key advantages. First, it provides long-term demand stability supported by institutional frameworks and intergovernmental agreements. Second, it remains a premium-priced market compared to alternative destinations, enhancing the commercial viability of Azerbaijan’s upstream investments.

For Europe, Azerbaijani gas strengthens diversification efforts by reducing dependence on a narrow group of suppliers and by offering pipeline-based deliveries that complement LNG imports. This balance is particularly valuable during periods of market volatility or infrastructure bottlenecks.

Energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan is anchored in the July 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Ilham Aliyev. The agreement envisages doubling Azerbaijani gas supplies to Europe by 2027 and positions Azerbaijan as a key partner in the EU’s diversification strategy.

EU officials have consistently described Azerbaijan as a reliable and predictable supplier. Beyond gas, cooperation is expanding under initiatives such as EU4Energy and the Global Gateway, which aim to promote energy efficiency, cross-border connectivity, and investment in energy and digital infrastructure. These frameworks indicate that Brussels views energy ties with Azerbaijan not as a short-term crisis response, but as part of a broader, long-term partnership.

Azerbaijan currently exports gas to Europe via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the final segment of the Southern Gas Corridor. TAP’s existing capacity of 10 billion cubic meters per year can be expanded to 20 billion cubic meters, providing a clear pathway for scaling up exports without building entirely new routes.

In 2025, Azerbaijan produced 51.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, with the Shah Deniz field accounting for more than half of total output. Gas exports reached 25.2 billion cubic meters, of which 12.8 billion cubic meters were delivered to Europe. The start of additional long-term transmission capacity under a new Gas Transportation Agreement in 2026, along with new deliveries to Austria and Germany, further expanded Azerbaijan’s footprint in the European market.

While Europe’s overall gas consumption is set to decline over the coming decade, the importance of secure, competitively priced and politically reliable supplies is not diminishing. On the contrary, as the market contracts, supplier quality matters more than volume alone.

In this evolving landscape, Azerbaijan is well positioned as a medium-scale but strategically significant supplier that aligns with the EU’s diversification, security and transition objectives. EU-Azerbaijan energy cooperation is therefore likely to remain not only relevant, but increasingly strategic – bridging Europe’s short- to medium-term energy needs while supporting a gradual shift toward a low-carbon future.

Attracting private investment is critical for the development of transport infrastructure and for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, according to an EU-funded meta-study cited by Azernews.

The study underlines that private-sector involvement goes beyond providing capital. Private participants also bring efficiency, innovation, and operational discipline, all of which can significantly enhance the quality, reliability, and competitiveness of transport services along the corridor.

Particular emphasis is placed on the role of European and other international companies, whose participation can introduce valuable market expertise, advanced technologies, and access to best practices in sustainable logistics, green solutions, and digitalization. These factors are seen as essential for modernizing the corridor and aligning it with global standards.

‘To realize this potential, governments and regional institutions should strengthen policy frameworks that promote public-private partnerships and reduce investment risks,’ the report states. Recommended measures include transparent procurement procedures, harmonization of regulatory standards, and the creation of clear mechanisms for cost recovery and revenue sharing.

According to the study, establishing a predictable and attractive investment environment would encourage more active participation by both local and international companies. This, in turn, would accelerate the implementation of critical infrastructure projects and support the creation of a modern, sustainable, and interoperable transport network across the region.

The Middle Corridor-also known as the Trans-Caspian route-connects Asia and Europe via China, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye. As an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors, it offers a shorter land-based route linking eastern Asia, including China, with European markets while bypassing longer maritime routes.

The Washington agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has significantly strengthened the position of the Central Corridor, according to a meta-study funded by the European Union (EU), Azernews reports.

The study notes that under the EU’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region, the Black Sea and neighboring countries are viewed as a key gateway linking Europe with Trkiye, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. This positioning enhances the region’s importance in ensuring diversified and resilient connectivity across Eurasia.

According to the report, for the European Union, developing transport links with Trkiye, the Eastern Partnership countries-including the South Caucasus-and Central Asia is essential for securing faster and more reliable supplies of raw materials and goods, while also opening new export markets through mutually beneficial trade.

‘In this context, against the backdrop of the declining reliability of the Northern Corridor and the slower development of the Southern route, the Trans-Caspian transport corridor is emerging as a more promising option for a sustainable, diversified, and geopolitically stable multimodal connection between Europe and Asia,’ the study states. It adds that rising cargo flows in the region, combined with the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement of August 8, further reinforce the Trans-Caspian corridor as the most viable route for reliable regional connectivity.

The report highlights that recent years have seen increased investment in infrastructure projects along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. However, it also points to persistent challenges and ‘bottlenecks,’ both in physical infrastructure and in institutional and administrative frameworks. These range from short-term measures-such as improving border-crossing efficiency to ease congestion-to long-term investments, including the construction of new ports and transport facilities.

The study recalls that on August 8, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia signed a joint declaration in Washington, D.C., with the participation of the US President. The document envisages the commissioning of the Zangezur corridor, also referred to as the ‘Trump Route,’ as part of broader efforts to restore regional relations. In addition, the foreign ministers of both countries initialed the Agreement on Peace and Interstate Relations.

The Central Corridor-also known as the Trans-Caspian route-connects Asia and Europe via China, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye. By bypassing traditional Northern and Southern routes and offering a shorter land-based alternative to lengthy sea routes, it is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of Eurasian transport and trade connectivity.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged governments to take coordinated steps against Israel’s actions, speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum on Saturday, Azernews reports.

Araghchi pressed for sanctions, including an arms embargo, restrictions on officials and suspension of military cooperation, while also demanding recognition of Palestinian rights and the creation of a state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“The world is moving toward a condition where international law is no longer respected,” Araghchi warned.

Araghchi said that this means that “the Israeli regime permanently enjoys the upper hand.”

“Under this project, Israel is free to expand its military arsenal without limits, including weapons of mass destruction that remain outside any inspection regime. Yet, other countries are demanded to disarm,” Araghchi said during a speech at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha.

He cited the sanctions and punishments against Iran for its missile and nuclear projects as proof that Israel is being treated differently, saying that these were not policies based on security and non-proliferation, but on the objective of maintaining Israel’s military superiority.

“It is the enforcement of permanent inequality. Israel must have military intelligence and a strategic edge. And others must remain vulnerable,” he concluded.

Total gas production in Russia fell in 2025, reflecting a continued slowdown across both natural gas and associated petroleum gas output, according to data released by the country’s Federal State Statistics Service, Azernews reports.

Overall gas production, including natural gas and associated petroleum gas, declined by 3.3% year-on-year to 662.7 billion cubic meters. Natural gas output accounted for the bulk of production, decreasing by 3.1% to 561.1 billion cubic meters.

In December 2025 alone, natural gas production stood at 53.2 billion cubic meters, marking a 4% decline compared to November and a 4.2% decrease year-on-year.

Associated petroleum gas production also saw a contraction, falling by 4.2% to 101.6 billion cubic meters over the year. At the same time, gas flaring increased, with 25.1 billion cubic meters burned, representing a 6.8% rise compared to 2024.

The figures highlight persistent challenges in Russia’s gas sector, including reduced output and higher volumes of flared gas despite overall lower production.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation, Azernews reports, citing a statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the social network X.

During the call, Bayramov conveyed condolences on behalf of the President, government, and people of Azerbaijan over the recent explosion in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan.

In response, Ishaq Dar strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm determination to combat terrorism. The two ministers also exchanged views on current regional and international developments of mutual interest.

According to the statement, both sides underlined the strong partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, reaffirming their commitment to continued close cooperation.

Russia’s air defence forces intercepted 82 drones overnight between 11:00 p.m. on February 6 and 7:00 a.m. local time on February 7, the Russian Ministry of Defence said, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry, the majority of the drones – 45 – were destroyed over the Volgograd region. Eight were intercepted over the Bryansk region, while six were shot down over the Rostov region and the Republic of Mordovia. Four drones were downed over each of the Oryol and Tver regions.

Three additional drones were intercepted over the Kursk region, while one drone each was shot down over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kaluga, Lipetsk and Smolensk regions.

The overnight drone activity led to temporary flight suspensions at airports in Kaluga, Penza, Saratov and Volgograd. At the time of publication, restrictions remained in place only at Volgograd airport.

Russian authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage resulting from the drone interceptions.

On February 6, the solemn opening ceremony of the “Winter Tale” International Music Festival was held in the city of Gabala.

Organized by the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and “Gilan,” the 2nd “Winter Tale” International Music Festival is held for the second consecutive year in Gabala.

The opening ceremony was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, other officials, renowned public figures, as well as Gabala residents and guests.

In his remarks, Rector of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, People’s Artist, and artistic director of the festival Farhad Badalbeyli said that the second Gabala “Winter Tale” International Music Festival, described the festival as a remarkable event for the Azerbaijani culture.

The artistic director of the festival expressed his deep appreciation to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and “Gilan” for the assistance and support provided in the organization of this event.

Following the official part, music lovers were presented with a concert program “Viva Opera” with the participation of the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

Conducted by Honored Artist Eyyub Guliyev, the concert featured arias from operas by Jimenez, F. Legar, L. Delib, D. Moduno, A. Lara, A. Bixio, C. Verdi, L. Denza, C. Rossini, as well as an Italian song, the Azerbaijani folk song ‘I Sprinkled Water on the Streets’, and M. Mirzayev’s ‘Azerbaijani Dance’.

The performances of soloists Afag Abbasova (soprano), Aytac Shikhalizade (mezzo-soprano), Azer Zade (tenor) and Mahir Taghizade (baritone) received enthusiastic applause.

The program of the 2nd Gabala “Winter Tale” International Music Festival is very rich. On February 7, music lovers will listen to works by Azerbaijani and Italian composers at the ‘Baku-Naples: Music Bridge’ chamber music evening, embodying the friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy.

bp has supported the publication of a new art and research book dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Mirza Gadim Iravani, one of the most prominent figures in Azerbaijan’s art history and the founder of the Azerbaijani school of realistic painting.

The book, titled Mirza Gadim Iravani: In the Light of Vivid Colours, was publicly presented on Thursday at an event hosted by bp. The publication aligns with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 14 February 2025, which mandates celebrations marking the artist’s 200th jubilee.

Speaking at the event, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region, said the company was proud to join the Azerbaijani public in honouring one of the country’s most influential artists.

‘Mirza Gadim Iravani masterfully blended the decorative aesthetics of classical medieval miniature art with the principles of realistic easel painting, creating a unique artistic language and a highly original personal style,’ Aslanbayli said.

He described Iravani’s artistic legacy as a pivotal moment in the evolution of Azerbaijani fine art, marking the transition from traditional decorative approaches to a professional realist school of painting.

‘Iravani’s invaluable legacy, rightly regarded as a turning point in the evolution of Azerbaijani art, has raised him to a prominent place in the national fine arts. We hope that the book presented today will be warmly received by Azerbaijani art lovers and will serve as a meaningful contribution to further research into and wider recognition of this great artist’s legacy,’ he added.

Beyond its artistic significance, Iravani’s work provides valuable insight into the history, culture, lifestyle, architectural traditions and artistic styles of his era.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of Iravani’s creative heritage as both an ornamental painter and a portraitist, while also shedding light on the artist’s life and artistic journey. It brings together a collection of scholarly articles examining Iravani’s works preserved in international museum collections, analyses of artworks adorning palace interiors, and studies exploring the evolution and interpretation of his artistic legacy.

In addition, the publication reviews historical sources referencing Iravani’s works and includes photographs with detailed descriptions of most of his known surviving pieces held in museums worldwide, including the Azerbaijan National Art Museum. Taken together, these materials form an important scientific and cultural resource.

The 224-page art and research publication is authored by Nargiz Jabbarli, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology and Associate Professor. The foreword is written by Galib Gasimov, Doctor of Philosophy in Art. The book also draws on research by several leading scholars of Azerbaijani art history, including the late Ziyadkhan Aliyev-Honoured Art Worker of Azerbaijan and Doctor of Philosophy in Art History-as well as Natalya Miklashevskaya, Kerim Kerimov, Rasim Efendi, Nazim Mustafa, Telman Ibrahimov, Khazar Zeynalov and others.

The publication forms part of a broader cultural heritage project supported by bp. Alongside the book on Mirza Gadim Iravani, the project includes three major research publications on Azerbaijani carpets authored by Dr Kubra Aliyeva, as well as a four-volume scholarly study on the history and development of Azerbaijan’s national cinematography by renowned film researcher Aydyn Kazymzade.

The remaining books included in the project are expected to be publicly presented later this year.

The initiative reflects bp’s continued commitment to supporting efforts aimed at preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. The total value of the project, which covers the development and publication of eight books, is 308,498 AZN (approximately $181,470). The project is being implemented by the Initiatives and Projects Centre (T?s?bbsl?r v? Layih?l?r M?rk?zi).

bp has been present in Azerbaijan for 33 years, safely, efficiently and reliably operating major oil and gas exploration, development and transportation projects. To date, together with its co-venturers, the company has invested more than $87 billion in projects it operates in the country.

In Azerbaijan, bp focuses its sustainability efforts on areas where it believes it can have the greatest impact. Its social investment activities and capacity-building programmes have delivered tangible benefits, supporting education, community development, local enterprise, environmental initiatives, sports development, and research into and promotion of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

Since the start of its operations, bp and its co-venturers in joint ventures operated by the company have invested more than $111 million in social investment projects across Azerbaijan. The company directly employs around 2,389 Azerbaijani citizens, who account for over 90 per cent of its professional workforce in the country.