International legal basis of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU in the field of energy transit

The aim of the article is to analyze the legal basis of the relationship between the EU and Azerbaijan in the energy sector, namely in the field of oil and gas transit. The relevance of the topic is due to the changing geopolitical situation in the world, especially in Europe, where EU member states have begun the process of diversifying natural gas import routes bypassing Russia. For many years, the EU, attaching special importance to cooperation with the states of the Caspian region, has proposed the implementation of projects with the participation of the Caspian states, such as the Nabucco project and the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline. Particular importance was attached to cooperation with Azerbaijan, and in recent years this cooperation has been further strengthened, and the state has become an important energy partner of the EU. The subject of the study is bilateral agreements, memorandums and other international legal acts adopted by the parties since the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence. The methodological basis of the study was the following theoretical methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, analogy, as well as special methods of cognition of legal phenomena and processes: comparative legal and formal legal. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the analysis of the international legal basis of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU and the identification of its peculiarities. The author comes to the conclusion that all agreements pertaining to energy cooperation between the mentioned actors have a framework nature, necessitating elaboration and development in separate agreements. Additionally, it is advisable for the future to sign a document reflecting the current and common goals and issues of the EU and Azerbaijan. While existing agreements provide a framework for collaboration, they require detailed elaboration in specific agreements to address evolving challenges. A prospective document reflecting shared objectives and challenges between the EU and Azerbaijan would further enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.