Azerbaijan as an Alternative to European Union-Russian Energy Relations

The relationship between politics and economy, shaped within the framework of the principle of interdependence, causes major transformations in the world. One of the areas where interdependence occurs is energy. European Union countries are also ranked among the regions that have to import energy in the world. Although it has to meet this need mainly from Russia and Middle East countries, it is known that the Union is in search of alternative ways. At this point, Azerbaijan has strategic importance, especially in natural gas imports. Along with clarifying the dependence of the EU on Russia, the study mainly focuses on the natural gas needs of the Union and on whether Azerbaijan can be an alternative in natural gas imports. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the political and economic advantages and risks of the Azerbaijani alternative for the European Union, which wants to ensure energy supply security in the USA-Russia axis and to reduce energy dependence on Russia.