The delegation of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) attended the international conference jointly organized by the "Union - Nikola Tesla" University and the Institute for Political Studies in Belgrade, Serbia.

Speaking at the conference titled “Geopolitics of Energy in the Western Balkans: Challenges and Perspectives”, AIR Center’s Chairman of the Board Farid Shafiyev noted that the Russia-Ukraine war, processes in the Middle East, and transformations taking place in the transatlantic space may lead to changes in the international order.

F. Shafiyev spoke about the influences of stakeholders—traditional and new actors—in the Balkans and South Caucasus regions.

Speaking about the different attitudes towards EU membership in the Balkan countries, the Chairman said that Azerbaijan does not discuss and consider EU membership.

“Meanwhile, we are working on a document, envisaging an equal partnership. The first document was signed in the 1990s, but certain difficulties emerge because of disruptive approaches by some spoilers, such as France. Regardless of the new US administration’s position, Europe will have to think about its energy security. Regardless of the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, EU-Russia relations will not be able to reach the pre-2022 level. In this case, the EU will need more energy resources. Azerbaijan is ready to meet this need to a certain extent. However, Azerbaijan can play a certain role in the energy supply of Balkan countries such as Serbia and Bulgaria.”

Touching on the situation in the South Caucasus, Farid Shafiyev stated that the EU supports the principle of territorial integrity with regard to Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. However, the entity exhibited double standards in relation to Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan has already restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Most importantly, there are no military forces belonging to an external force on its territory. Historic opportunities for cooperation have emerged in the South Caucasus. We witness certain positive elements in the recent statements of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding the constitutional amendments. This is our legitimate demand - the new constitution will not contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan."

F. Shafiyev stated that opportunities for trilateral cooperation will emerge after reaching a comprehensive peace agreement, while the basics of political realism should not be overlooked:

“Russia, Türkiye, and Iran are stakeholders. Therefore, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan have proposed a 3+3 cooperation format. The European Union also has interests in the region. However, the organization must change its attitude towards the South Caucasus.”

In addition, AIR Center’s senior advisor Shahmar Hajiyev made a presentation about Azerbaijan’s energy policy, green transition issues, and the regional projects implemented in this direction.