Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa will attend the first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Friday, April 4. This visit strongly indicates the EU’s political commitment to a deeper and more robust partnership with Central Asia.
In 2019, the European Union (EU) launched a Strategy for Central Asia, emphasizing the region’s growing strategic importance. Since then, EU-Central Asia cooperation has advanced in areas like resilience, prosperity, and sustainability, supported by initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway, which enhances trade and digital transitions.
In October 2023, the EU and Central Asia adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties, outlining five key areas to strengthen relations through dialogue and cooperation, highlighting their mutual commitment to collaborative benefits.
The Summit aims to elevate the partnership between the EU and Central Asian countries to the next level, fostering increased connectivity between the two regions, mainly focusing on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC). The EU and Central Asia will also explore opportunities for stronger cooperation on security issues.
“We are heading to Samarkand to take our partnership with Central Asia to the next level. In these uncertain times, Europe stands for openness and engagement. For Europe, Central Asia is a partner of choice. At the Summit, we will deepen trade ties and expand cooperation in transport, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. All of this will be backed by a new Global Gateway investment package, turning our commitment into action,” President von der Leyen said:
During her visit, President von der Leyen will meet with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on Thursday. Furthermore, on Friday, she will participate in the plenary session of the Summit alongside President Costa and deliver an address at the inauguration of the Samarkand Climate Forum.
