In recent weeks, the dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union has noticeably intensified, both at the institutional level and through bilateral engagement with individual EU member states. This renewed momentum raises an important question: are the sides finally approaching the long-discussed comprehensive agreement, or is this simply another phase in a prolonged and negotiation process?

The Azerbaijan–EU relationship has traditionally developed along two parallel tracks. The first is institutional, anchored in the EU’s Neighborhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership framework. These mechanisms are crucial as they provide structured political dialogue, economic integration tools, and regulatory alignment pathways, enabling Azerbaijan to engage with the EU without full membership aspirations. The second track relates to the EU’s role in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, where Brussels has positioned itself as a diplomatic facilitator.

Despite visible progress, the absence of a finalized bilateral agreement remains a defining feature of the relationship. By 2027, it will mark ten years since negotiations began on a new comprehensive framework agreement intended to legally formalize and structure long-term cooperation. While various sources suggest that the document is approximately 80 percent complete, key disagreements persist, particularly in areas related to tariffs and broader economic regulations.

This is especially significant given the scale of economic ties. In January–February 2026 alone, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and EU countries reached approximately $2.8 billion. The EU remains Azerbaijan’s primary trading partner, accounting for roughly 59–66 percent of its exports. These figures underline the urgency of establishing a clear legal and institutional framework to support and expand cooperation.

Recent diplomatic activity reflects this urgency. On April 16, a meeting between Azerbaijani and EU delegations took place in Brussels to resume negotiations on the new agreement and to advance discussions on the Partnership Priorities document. It was agreed that the next round of negotiations will be held in early June in Baku. Notably, the Azerbaijani delegation included a wide range of institutions, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to key economic, energy, and regulatory bodies—demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the negotiations.

Parallel to this, bilateral engagement with EU member states has intensified. On April 9, President Ilham Aliyev met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė, with discussions focusing on economic cooperation and Azerbaijan–EU relations. Similar momentum was seen in agreements signed with Latvia today, as well as in Azerbaijan’s expanding cooperation with Spain, including a Partnership Roadmap, strategic economic dialogue, and high-level meetings with Spanish officials. The anticipated visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in early May further highlights growing European interest in Azerbaijan.

However, the prolonged nature of negotiations suggests that delays are not merely technical. Azerbaijan–EU relations have historically experienced fluctuations, shaped by broader geopolitical dynamics. For instance, the signing of the “Strategic Agenda for EU–Armenia Partnership” prompted criticism from Baku, which viewed it as contradictory to the regional peace process. Such developments have inevitably affected the pace of negotiations.

Ultimately, the current surge in diplomatic engagement indicates that Azerbaijan is gaining renewed strategic importance for the European Union—both as an energy partner and as a key actor in regional connectivity and stability. While the agreement remains unfinished, the growing intensity of dialogue suggests that both sides recognize the need to move forward.