EU4Energy Phase III Brings Together South Caucasus Countries and Türkiye for the First Regional Dialogue under the EU Connectivity Agenda

Brussels, Belgium, 19 June 2026 – The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), within the framework of the EU-funded EU4Energy Phase III project, convened the first South Caucasus Energy Connectivity Meeting, bringing together representatives from the countries of the South Caucasus and Türkiye to advance regional energy cooperation, cross-border links and clean energy transition priorities under the European Union’s Connectivity Agenda. The initiative also supports the broader objective of strengthening energy security and resilience in the region through enhanced cooperation and connectivity.

The meeting marked a historic milestone as the first-ever technical-level regional energy dialogue uniting all participating countries to address shared energy challenges and opportunities in the South Caucasus region and Türkiye.

Participants exchanged views on the increasing importance of regional cooperation in strengthening energy security and enhancing system flexibility, improving cross-border interconnections and supporting electricity market integration. Discussions also underlined the value of closer cross-border collaboration in addressing common challenges, regulatory cooperation, coordinating infrastructure development, fostering modern, transparent and future-oriented energy markets across the region.

“The European Commission strongly believes that regional cooperation and connectivity are essential for building secure, resilient and sustainable energy systems, while also strengthening regional energy security. Bringing together the countries of the South Caucasus and Türkiye for this first-ever technical dialogue on energy connectivity marks an important step towards stronger regional cooperation under the EU Connectivity Agenda,” said Klara Orlowska, Project Manager at DG ENEST, in her opening remarks.

“At CEER, we see cooperation, knowledge exchange and trust between partners key to building well-functioning and future-oriented energy systems. This regional exchange under EU4Energy Phase III reflects our commitment to supporting dialogue, connectivity and practical cooperation across the region.”- noted Bram Claeys, Secretary General of CEER.

The initiative contributes to the European Union’s wider efforts to promote regional links and practical cooperation among partner countries. The South Caucasus Energy Connectivity dialogue is expected to continue through regular regional meetings under EU4Energy Phase III, creating a long-term framework for technical exchange, confidence-building and deeper regional collaboration.

The EU4Energy Phase III is funded by the European Union with a total budget of €6 million and is implemented by CEER. The project aims to contribute to the accelerated transition to interconnected, secure, sustainable, and low-emission energy systems in the Eastern Partnership Countries.