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Friday February 27 2026
SOCAR wins European Commission approval for Italian takeover

SOCAR wins European Commission approval for Italian takeover

Brussels is prepared to embrace new actors in Europe’s energy market as the European Commission has given the green light for Azerbaijan’s state energy giant SOCAR to acquire Italiana Petroli, one of Italy’s largest integrated downstream energy platforms. The approval covers a 99.82% stake in the company, in a deal first signed in September 2025 but only recently cleared by EU regulators as having no competitive concerns.

Nation
Ethiopia’s PM visits Victory Park [PHOTOS]

Ethiopia’s PM visits Victory Park [PHOTOS]

A delegation led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Victory Park in Baku on February 27 as part of the official program of his trip to Azerbaijan.

Oil & Gas
Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva: Strait of Hormuz risks and Azerbaijan’s energy strategy

Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva: Strait of Hormuz risks and Azerbaijan’s energy strategy

A closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes, would trigger an immediate shock to energy markets. Oil prices could surge to $120–$150 per barrel, with US gasoline prices potentially exceeding $3–$4 per gallon. This would fuel worldwide inflationary pressures.

Business
Azerbaijani banks’ net foreign assets soar 1.2 times

Azerbaijani banks’ net foreign assets soar 1.2 times

As of February 1 this year, the net foreign assets of banks in Azerbaijan amounted to 26.648 billion manat (approximately 15.7 billion US dollars), AzerNEWS reports. According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CBA), this represents an increase of...

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Armenia asks EU to deploy team to counter Russian disinformation ahead of elections

Armenia asks EU to deploy team to counter Russian disinformation ahead of elections

Armenia has formally requested assistance from the European Union to counter potential Russian interference ahead of its parliamentary elections scheduled for June, AzerNEWS reports via Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Armenian Aggression
Massacre at Khojaly and shadow of 366th regiment

Massacre at Khojaly and shadow of 366th regiment

Some tragedies are etched so deeply into a nation’s memory that they define a generation. The massacre in Khojaly is one such wound for Azerbaijan.

World
Pakistan declares 'open war' with Taliban as jets bomb Kabul

Pakistan declares 'open war' with Taliban as jets bomb Kabul

Pakistan launched strikes on the Afghan cities of Kabul and Kandahar in the early hours of Friday, according to Pakistani government officials, AzerNEWS reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Water Tuesday: How does water symbolize renewal?

Water Tuesday: How does water symbolize renewal?

Novruz is the most ancient and beloved holiday in Azerbaijan, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature at the time of the vernal equinox, usually on March 20 or 21, AzerNEWS reports.

Culture
Academics celebrate century of First Turkological Congress [PHOTOS]

Academics celebrate century of First Turkological Congress [PHOTOS]

A century ago, the First Turkological Congress laid the foundation for modern studies of Turkic languages, culture, and heritage.

Events
Russia escalates its shadow war against Azerbaijan as Baku deepens western ties

Russia escalates its shadow war against Azerbaijan as Baku deepens western ties

There are wars declared with tanks and parades. And then there are wars conducted in the shadows through cyber-attacks, intimidation, energy sabotage and propaganda. In 2025, Azerbaijan has found itself confronting the latter.

Sports
National judokas to compete at Mostoles Junior European Cup

National judokas to compete at Mostoles Junior European Cup

From February 28 to March 1, young Azerbaijani judokas will take part in the Mostoles Junior European Cup 2026, Spain, AzerNEWS reports.

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