EU requires proof that Azerbaijani, Turkish gas is not Russian under new regulation

(Horizon Weekly) – The European Union has adopted a new regulation requiring Azerbaijan and Turkey to provide clear proof that gas supplied to Europe is not of Russian origin.

Under Regulation EU/261/2026, special controls will apply to the Strandzha 1 interconnection point between Bulgaria and Turkey, which is linked to pipeline systems carrying both Azerbaijani and Russian gas. The regulation obliges suppliers to present “unambiguous evidence” confirming that imported gas does not originate in, or transit from, the Russian Federation, either directly or indirectly.

The European Commission said the measure is intended to prevent circumvention of EU energy sanctions and ensure transparency in gas imports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Over the past decade, Azerbaijan has become a key alternative gas supplier to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). This network delivers gas from the Caspian Sea to Southern and Central Europe via Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

Exports are mainly sourced from Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz field and marketed by the state energy company SOCAR and its partners. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has increased imports from Azerbaijan as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

However, EU officials have expressed concern that some gas entering Europe through Turkey-linked routes may include Russian volumes. The new regulation aims to close this loophole by introducing stricter verification requirements.

The Commission noted that similar controls may be extended to other interconnection points in the future if they are linked to systems that carry significant volumes of Russian gas.