BTC Pipeline Handover: BP says it will transfer management of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline to SOCAR from July 1, calling it a contractual step and stressing BP is not exiting the project. BTK Railway Full Operation: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye officially launched the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway at full capacity; Georgia says capacity rises from 1m to 5m tons/year and container traffic nearly sixfold in 2025, boosting the Middle Corridor. Absheron Gas Deal: SOCAR and Turkey’s BOTAŞ signed an agreement to supply natural gas from the second phase of Absheron from 2029, with production expected to start Sept. 1, 2029 and annual output above 4 bcm. Energy Market Rules: Azerbaijan’s renewable energy regulator (AREA) urged harmonized electricity market rules across Central Asia and the South Caucasus to enable transparent cross-border power trade. Energy Security Outlook: GECF warned geopolitical disruptions are now a recurring “new norm” for global energy markets, pushing governments to rethink energy strategy and infrastructure planning. Azerbaijan–Ukraine Energy Talks: Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed energy security cooperation and working groups under their intergovernmental commission. Transport & Trade Diplomacy: Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan ties were described as reaching an “unprecedented” high stage, with deeper Central Asia–South Caucasus connectivity. IMF Central Bank Independence: An IMF paper flagged central bank independence gaps across the Middle East and Central Asia, warning political pressure and fiscal demands can worsen inflation. Media & AI Training: AccessBank and Neurotime ran an AI-focused training for journalists on responsible use and verification. Regional Business Events: Baku Energy Week continued to anchor deals and policy discussions, while Georgia’s CASPIAN AGRO 2026 pavilion drew high-level attention.