Baku: Azerbaijan has outlined a decrease in the projected funds for the reconstruction and restoration of its liberated territories for the year 2026.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this information is detailed in the ‘Opinion of the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the draft state budget for 2026.’

The report indicates that 3,500.0 million manats will be allocated for these reconstruction efforts in 2026, marking a decrease of 500.0 million manats or 12.5% compared to the approved budget for 2025. This reduction necessitates sourcing additional funds from other areas of the state budget or alternative sources to support the ‘First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.’

In the first eight months of 2025, Azerbaijan executed 2,746.9 million manats for reconstruction expenses, accounting for 68.7% of the year’s designated budget for this purpose. This execution rate is higher than previous years, with 71.5% in 2023 and 60.4% in 2024, showing a consistent trend in high expenditure rates for reconstruction.

The Chamber of Accounts’ audits and analyses emphasize the need for optimization in budgeting and project execution. The focus is on aligning costs, attracting non-budgetary funding, and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Despite the high implementation rate, there was a lack of financing amounting to 214.6 million manats for 55 projects in 2025, prompting a need for residual funds and program extensions.

The Chamber’s contributions in auditing have clarified construction project costs and improved the cost-effectiveness of state funds. Progress in the timely implementation of these projects has been noted, reflecting advancements in reconstruction efforts.