COMMERCE, NOT POLITICS

Azerbaijan's implementation of such large-scale energy projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines has increased the country's importance in providing global energy security. These pipelines heralded more global projects that are meant to play an important role in Europe's energy policy. Azerbaijan's decision to build the TANAP gas pipeline and choose TAP as the main route of providing Azerbaijan gas to Europe served as the basis for the implementation of the Euro-Atlantic initiative, the Southern Corridor.

Alexandros Petersen, an expert of the US Woodrow Wilson International Center, has shared his views regarding Azerbaijan's role in Europe's energy policy in an interview with R+

- What is your opinion about Europe's and Azerbaijan's energy policy?

- After the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP) project was chosen this June, a number of European states made certain moves in line with the new realities. However, Europe so far did not have an energy policy such as the Southern Corridor. Energy experts believe that the Southern Corridor has a great potential for the development of the Caspian Region.

As for Azerbaijan, the selection of TAP over Nabucco shows that SOCAR and the Shah Deniz consortium gave preference to commercial, rather than geopolitical considerations. At the same time, SOCAR's investments in Greece and a number of other European markets show the company's growing reputation in Europe. Most importantly, SOCAR has demonstrated that it is a commercial company. For example, Gazprom has a political role in Europe's energy security. However, SOCAR's activities are purely commercial, something that will have a favourable effect on Azerbaijan's relations with Europe.

- How do you assess the prospects of the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP)?

- The TANAP project has a great importance for the Southern Corridor, both for Europe and Turkey and Azerbaijan. The project can be advantageous from various viewpoints. It strengthens Azerbaijan's cooperation with Europe and the USA and enhances the country's weight both regionally and globally. For example, SOCAR is no longer a small company serving the needs of one country. It is turning into a regional and even a global company.

The TANAP project will become the first such experience for SOCAR which will be responsible for operational issues, as well as for the construction matters in Turkey. However, I am certain that SOCAR, in cooperation with the Turkish company Bota?, will handle such a large-scale project.

- What do you think should SOCAR's policy be in the future?

-Azerbaijan, and specifically SOCAR, needs to continue its policy. The company is very discerning about its projects. This is linked with the difficult economic situation of the past years. In the future, Azerbaijan will have a more influential place on the global scene and SOCAR's role is particularly important in this. Azerbaijani politicians should take this into consideration, act more attentively and use this advantage.

- Some experts predict a new economic crisis in Europe. Are these predictions well-substantiated?

- The idea of another crisis in Europe is very topical now. However, I am certain that this is not going to happen. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take measures to prevent it or else, consider alternative solutions to reduce the effects of a possible crisis. The positive effect of Azerbaijani investments on countries like Greece, which is struggling with the crisis, is very important. Certainly, the fact that TAP will go through Albania and Greece will mean new jobs and the revival of the economies of these countries. Azerbaijan can do what it can yet if the second wave of the crisis hits, this will require greater strength and it will be difficult to prevent it.