Azerbaijan's Position in Europe's Energy Diversification Plans

The European Union reportedly is in discussions to get two "southern corridor" pipeline projects to merge. The discussions come just a few months before Azerbaijan, a country crucial to any such projects, is expected to announce which supplier will get the rights to its Shah Deniz II natural gas field. Azerbaijan supports the merger idea — and any other southern corridor energy projects — because any southern pipeline project will depend on Azerbaijan. The country's geographic position and natural gas supplies will give Azerbaijan more leverage over all players in the region — the West, Russia, Turkey and Iran.