Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan moves to erode media freedom
The suspension of BBC News Azerbaijani’s operations and the financial collapse of Turan Information Agency — within days of each other — signal an accelerating erosion of independent journalism.
Azerbaijan positions itself as a key player in the global hydrogen economy
Azerbaijan targets 1.9mn tonnes of hydrogen production by 2060, and plans exports to Europe and Asia.
S&P projects 15% growth for Azerbaijan's banking sector in 2025, lifts GDP outlook
From 2021 to 2024, bank lending grew by 18%, largely driven by a surge in consumer loans.
Azerbaijan's energy production stable as investments in Shah Deniz and ACG continue
Azerbaijan's energy sector maintained steady production in 2024, with significant investments directed toward the Shah Deniz gas-condensate field and the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas block, according to BP report.
Moscow cracks down on Azerbaijani migrants after rift with Baku
Russia-Azerbaijan relations are worsening, exacerbated by the fallout from the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft and subsequent diplomatic disputes.
US Energy Department offers fresh figures on Caspian Basin energy reserves & production
A comprehensive overview of the regional energy sector.
Baku moves to close Russian cultural centre as diplomatic tensions rise
Azerbaijan’s increasingly assertive stance on Russian matters marks a shift from its previous balancing act between Moscow and the West.
Azerbaijan releases Russian 'golden judge' despite Moscow’s extradition request
Azerbaijan typically complies with such extradition requests, but relations with Russia have deteriorated recently.
COMMENT: Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan create new Eurasian economic hub
A growing partnership between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan marks an important shift in regional economic diplomacy.
Azerbaijan claims possession of Russian missile fragment extracted from doomed AZAL Flight 8243
Cautiously worded Kazakh government report on tragedy, meanwhile, stops short of identifying “foreign metal objects”.
Azerbaijan launches border security operation amid rising tensions with Russia
The timing of Azerbaijan's large-scale Border Shield operation raises geopolitical questions.
COMMENT: Trump’s return holds both peril and promise for the South Caucasus
Struggling democracy Armenia left isolated and vulnerable, while for the leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Trump’s victory indicates a welcome relief from the usual US emphasis on democracy and human rights.
COMMENT: Ukraine eyes key role in Azerbaijani gas transit to Europe
Kyiv wants to become a transit hub for Azerbaijani gas after ending Russian gas transport, but plan faces political, logistical and economic hurdles.
Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan
Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.
China enhances position as Central Asia’s economic overlord
Trade balance heavily favours Beijing.
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev demands land corridor through Armenia as tensions rise
Ilham Aliyev's repeated demand for Armenia to open a land corridor to its Nakhchivan exclave fuels fears of renewed military conflict.
CAUCASUS BLOG: Is it the end of the honeymoon between Azerbaijan and Russia?
Tensions have risen following diplomatic exchanges over critical media reports and an unresolved investigation into a deadly air crash involving an Azerbaijani passenger plane.
Saving the Caspian Sea for Central Asia and Kazakhstan
The Caspian Sea has long been a cornerstone of life for Central Asia, especially for Kazakhstan, where it plays a critical role in supporting local economies, biodiversity and communities.
Fatal road accident triggers widespread protests in Azerbaijan
Crash involving a police car became a flashpoint for public frustration over systemic issues including government negligence, police impunity and corruption.
NEO: Why pick-up points for online orders are gaining popularity vs. home delivery
The share of European consumers preferring home delivery for online orders dropped from 73% to 64% over the past year, according to a Last Mile Experts study.