From 16:00 March 16 to 16:00 March 17, 2026

The main focus of Azerbaijan’s media landscape during the period under review was the extension of the special quarantine regime until July 1, 2026, which effectively means that the country’s land borders will remain closed for passenger travel. Media outlets widely discussed the reasons for this decision, linking it not only to epidemiological concerns but also to regional security considerations amid the military escalation in the Middle East.

The central topic of Azerbaijan’s media agenda during the reporting period was the report of Prime Minister Ali Asadov on the government’s activities in 2025, presented at a session of the Milli Majlis. Media outlets widely cited key elements of the report concerning the country’s macroeconomic stability, growth of strategic foreign exchange reserves, increased defense spending, expansion of defense industry exports, and large-scale demining operations in the liberated territories.

The Azerbaijani media agenda during the reporting period centered on the visit to Baku by European Council President Antonio Costa and the joint statement issued with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on strengthening strategic partnership. Local media widely covered the talks between the two leaders, which focused on energy, regional security, transport connectivity and the peace process in the South Caucasus.

Military escalation in the Middle East continued to dominate Azerbaijan’s media agenda during the reporting period. The central issue remained the impact of the conflict around Iran on regional security in the South Caucasus and on Baku’s diplomatic activity.