Italy and Slovenia May Join Black Sea Energy Project: Expanding the South Caucasus–EU Energy Link

Italy and Slovenia are reportedly in negotiations to join the Black Sea Energy project — a strategic initiative aimed at constructing a high-voltage submarine electricity cable across the Black Sea to connect the South Caucasus with the European Union. The announcement was made by the Azerbaijani ambassador, confirming ongoing diplomatic consultations.

The project envisions transmitting renewable electricity from the South Caucasus to Europe via a subsea cable system, strengthening energy diversification and supporting the EU’s decarbonization objectives. The initiative has already been advanced with the participation of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary.

The potential accession of Italy and Slovenia would significantly broaden the project’s geographic scope and reinforce its strategic importance within the European energy architecture.

 Comment from the Institute of Danube Research 

“The possible enlargement of the Black Sea Energy consortium reflects the emergence of a new energy connectivity axis linking the South Caucasus, the Black Sea region, and Central Europe. For the Danube macro-region, this creates additional opportunities for integration into trans-European energy networks, strengthening supply security and accelerating green transition pathways. In the long term, the project may become part of a broader sustainable energy corridor enhancing Europe’s resilience.”

Amid shifting geopolitical and energy security dynamics, Black Sea Energy is increasingly viewed as a key infrastructure component supporting Europe’s long-term diversification strategy.