The EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum 2026 was held today at the Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard, bringing together approximately 220 participants, including representatives of EU Member States' embassies in Azerbaijan, European and Azerbaijani businesses, EU Chambers of Commerce, international organisations and other key stakeholders.

This year's Forum marked the 10th anniversary of the EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum, first organised in Baku in 2016. Held under the theme “Bridging Corridors: Connectivity & Infrastructure”, the event focused on strengthening economic cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan, with particular attention to regional connectivity, transport infrastructure, trade and investment opportunities.

The Forum opened with welcoming remarks by H.E. Ms. Marijana Kujundžić, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan, who welcomed participants to this milestone edition of the Forum.

A key part of the programme was the presentation of the EU Business Climate Report Azerbaijan 2025–2026 by Ms. Aytan Akhundova. The report, based on a survey conducted among European businesses operating in Azerbaijan, provides an updated assessment of the country's business and investment environment, highlighting key developments, challenges and opportunities for further economic cooperation.

The Forum also featured the presentation of the Trade Study Report, “Trade Sector Development in Azerbaijan: Policies, Constraints and Opportunities”, delivered by Mr. Marius Bordalba, Senior International Trade and WTO Expert, and Mr. Said Jafarli, Trade and Private Sector Development Expert. The study examines Azerbaijan's foreign trade development, existing constraints, export potential and opportunities for further diversification and integration into international markets.

The programme continued with a panel discussion titled “EU–Azerbaijan Business Connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor)”. The discussion brought together perspectives on the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, infrastructure development and opportunities to strengthen transport and trade connectivity between Europe and Asia through Azerbaijan.

Beyond the formal discussions, the Forum provided a valuable platform for networking and direct engagement among European and Azerbaijani businesses, EU Chambers of Commerce, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Participants had the opportunity to exchange views, establish new business contacts and explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

Celebrating a decade of EU-Azerbaijan business dialogue, the Forum reaffirmed its role as a platform for fostering public-private dialogue, promoting a favourable business environment and supporting Azerbaijan's economic diversification and closer economic cooperation with the European Union.

The EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum 2024–2026 is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by VM Europe, together with the EU Chambers and InvestBaku.