Green Corridor Finance Push: Romania-based GECO’s Green Energy Corridor is moving toward EU co-financing after a joint letter was signed to seek inclusion on the EU’s Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) list—an investor-attractiveness boost for the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Black Sea–Romania–Hungary power link. EU Payments Upgrade: The European Parliament approved the creation of a digital euro, paving the way for final talks and limited testing ahead of a possible 2029 launch, while privacy concerns remain part of the debate. Energy Supply Moves: TAP says it has delivered over 60 bcm of Azerbaijani gas to Europe (50 bcm to Italy), reinforcing the Southern Gas Corridor’s role in diversification. Banking Outlook: ING expects Azerbaijan’s central bank to keep its benchmark rate at 6.5% for longer as inflation stays near the top of the target range. Macroeconomic Forecast: The Asian Development Bank kept Azerbaijan’s 2026 growth forecast at 2% (and 1.8% for 2027), citing regional risks mainly tied to Armenia, Türkiye and Turkmenistan. Trade & Logistics Costs: Middle Corridor container shipping from China to Europe via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s Alyat port rose by nearly $500 since early 2026, with instability and higher fuel/insurance costs driving further increases. Corporate Energy Cooperation: SOCAR and Technip Energies Italy signed an MoU to explore petrochemicals, energy efficiency, green energy and decarbonisation cooperation. Foreign Tech & AI Ties: Azerbaijan’s deputy foreign minister met U.S. tech leaders including NVIDIA during a Utah/California visit focused on technology and AI cooperation. Cultural Heritage Recognition: Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage protection agency won an international award for public engagement and digital heritage management, including the MyCulture portal. Regional Gas Deal: Azerbaijan’s agreement on supplying natural gas to Georgia was approved by presidential decree, with ministries tasked to implement and notify entry-into-force steps.