After gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has gone from being one of the poorest Soviet republics to eventually reaching a double digit GDP growth rate due to its oil and gas resources. Economically, the country’s most important sectors are oil and gas – providing half of its GDP, as well as agriculture - bringing livelihood to just under half of the Azeri households.

Both sectors are indirectly linked to the most pressing environmental challenges facing Azerbaijan. Soil in the region was contaminated during Soviet-era cotton production and Caspian petroleum and petrochemicals industries have contributed to air and water problems.

For energy hungry Europe, Azerbaijan is interesting not only as an energy provider but also as a potential transit point for gas rich Central Asia. Through this briefing in Baku, 15 journalists will have the opportunity to discover in-depth a country that can play a crucial role in securing one of the cornerstones of the EU’s energy diversification policy.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Azerbaijan. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

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