Energy and Economy 

Ursula von der Leyen: “Azerbaijan Has Proven to be a Reliable, Trusted Energy Partner to the European Union” 

During her visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, President to the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner to the European Union (EU). “We have not forgotten that at a time when Russia weaponized energy and turned off the gas for Europe, Azerbaijan stepped up,” she added. Von der Leyen also mentioned that the EU is already Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner and biggest investor, and that there is resumption of discussions on a new comprehensive agreement between the two sides. 

Source: European Commission 

EU to Lift Tariffs on Armenian Exports 

During President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Yerevan last week, the EU announced trade measures that could permit about 80% of Armenia’s exports enter tariff-free in response to Russia’s recent pressure attack. Some of the goods include fruit, vegetables, and plants. It was also announced that the EU would send a $59 million support package and deploy experts to help Armenia.  

Source: Bloomberg 

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Restart Talks on TAPI 

The TAPI Pipeline was the subject of discussions between the governor of Herat Nur Ahmad Islamjar and the Turkmenistan Vice Consul Beghench Shamuradov during a meeting on July 5. While construction began on the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan- Pakistan- India gas pipeline over a decade ago, the portion of TAPI inside Afghanistan has faced severe obstacles due to instability. At the meeting, Taliban officials reported that the construction of TAPI is progressing rapidly and that Afghanistan’s portion will be operational by 2027.  

Source: Business Turkmenistan, Offshore Technology, Kabul Tribune 

World Bank Backs Tajikistan’s Rogun Hydropower Plant  

The World Bank approved a $300 million grant for Tajikistan’s Rogun Hydropower Plant, which is expected to become Central Asia’s largest power station, projected to generate 14,400 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This project is expected to reduce Tajikistan’s winter power shortages and support future exports of electricity to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.  

Source: The Times of Central Asia 

Kyrgyzstan Asks Partners to Help with Fuel Supplies 

Kyrgyzstan has asked Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to help stabilize fuel supplies amid concerns over potential shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. Kyrgyzstan is heavily reliant on imports of Russian fuel, which have become an increasingly precarious source as reports of fuel shortages emerge and as Russia imposes export restrictions. In Kyrgyzstan, there are reports of shortages of AI-95 gasoline, while AI-92 gasoline and diesel remain available. 

Source: Reuters 

Unified Digital Road Freight Permit System launches in Georgia and Türkiye  

Georgia and Türkiye launched a new road freight transport permit system on July 6. The digital system reduces reliance on paper documentation and results in faster permit issuance, increasing the efficiency of road-based trade between the two countries. This system represents a notable step in advancing digitalization and cross-border standardization along the Middle Corridor, increasing its viability as a fast and competitive trade route. 

Source: Business Media 

Security and Politics 

Armenian Parliament Passes Law Restricting Voting Rights for Citizens Living Abroad 

The third and final iteration of a voting law that limits the Armenian diaspora’s ability to vote has been passed. This law requires that those living abroad must have lived for at least one year within a two-year pre-election period in order to vote. One reason for the passage of the law includes the fear that Russia would mobilize its diaspora population to sway Armenian elections in a pro-Russian fashion. 

Source: OC Media 

Uzbekistan and Georgia Establish Strategic Partnership 

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia signed a Strategic Partnership Declaration during Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Georgia on July 2-3. The two countries also signed agreements to expand cooperation in trade, investment, transport, tourism, and digital technologies. They set a target to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion annually. The leaders also agreed to expand the use of Georgia’s Black Sea ports for Uzbek cargo and strengthen transport connectivity through the Middle Corridor. 

Source: The Times of Central Asia 

Chinese Nationals Return to Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border 

Chinese workers have returned to the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border after several Chinese nationals were killed in a drone attack launched from Afghanistan. Work had been suspended following the attack, as China recommended the evacuation of all Chinese nationals from the area, citing security concerns. Tajikistan’s special forces have reportedly been deployed to protect the workers. 

Source: Eurasianet 

Azerbaijan Issues Formal Protest of Russian Strikes on SOCAR Gas Station in Ukraine 

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Mikhail Yevdokimov to express its strong protest to a drone strike against a SOCAR gas station in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. The Azerbaijani side emphasized that this strike, carried out on the night of July 5, was not the first Russian attack on Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure and diplomatic premises in Ukraine. This incident is the latest example of Azerbaijan seeking accountability from Russia for Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, the most notable of which occurred following the shoot down of an Azerbaijani passenger jet by Russia in 2024. 

Source: Azertag, Azertag 

President of the European Commission Visits Baku 

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku on July 1. She emphasized the achievement of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and announced the EU’s intentions to partner with Azerbaijan through the Global Gateway Investment Program. As such, the EU plans to invest 200 million euros in constructing and modernizing infrastructure to support trade along the Middle Corridor. Additionally, the EU will earmark 20 million euros towards promoting peace in border regions. 

Source: Commission.Europa