EU ready to participate in new transport initiatives in South Caucasus – EXCLUSIVE

The European Union is placing significant emphasis on transport routes that can strengthen regional integration. The EU is currently awaiting further details on the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), formerly known as the Zangazur Corridor, Anitta Hipper, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told Report's European bureau.

"In her calls with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan following the meeting in Washington DC, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, offered the EU’s support and expertise for the practical implementation of the agreements reached, including on connectivity," she said.

According to Hipper, the EU will continue discussions with Baku and Yerevan to identify new avenues of cooperation and support for the normalization process between the two countries.

The proposed transport route is expected to connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia and is seen as complementary to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).

Hipper noted that the EU has actively supported the Middle Corridor for many years, linking Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

“The European Union reaffirms its commitment to the development of infrastructure and transport projects in the South Caucasus in the context of the latest agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” she said.

According to Hipper, strengthening security and regional connectivity remains a key priority of the EU’s new Black Sea Strategy, presented in late May 2025. The strategy aims to enhance connections and promote growth by linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

"In recent months, the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the immense potential for cross-border cooperation in the region and beyond. Improving security and regional connectivity are key priorities of the EU strategic approach to the Black Sea region," Hipper added.

She emphasized that, in cooperation with regional partners, the EU intends to implement the Connectivity Agenda, which builds on expanded Trans-European networks.

"The EU is already involved in regional connectivity projects, notably through the EU Global Gateway initiative and relevant investments under the Neighbourhood Investment Platform for the Eastern Partnership. The EU is ready to explore and mobilise further support for both large-scale infrastructure investments and soft connectivity measures through the Global Gateway and the Connectivity Agenda," Hipper said.