The European Union (EU) and Central Asian nations are actively working too strengthen their partnership, with a strong emphasis on political, economic, and security cooperation. As the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat approaches, the EU’s strategic vision and investment plans for the region are becoming clearer. Aleška Simkić, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, recently discussed the EU’s commitment to this collaboration, highlighting shared interests in lasting connectivity, trade, and security. The ministerial meeting is scheduled for March 4.

This collaboration aims to foster peace, prosperity, stability, and security, addressing shared challenges and leveraging mutual strategic interests. The upcoming ministerial meeting and broader EU strategy underscore a concerted effort to deepen ties between the two regions, building on decades of diplomatic relations.

Shared Interests and Priorities

The EU and Central Asia share numerous strategic interests, driving their commitment to enhanced cooperation. These include:

• sustainable connectivity
• Trade and investment
• Green and digital transition
• Critical raw materials
• Water resource management
• Renewable energy
• Climate and surroundings issues
• Education and people-to-people exchanges

Beyond economic and environmental concerns, security cooperation is also a key priority. this includes combating organized crime, terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalization. Specific security-related issues include trafficking, border security, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, arms trafficking, and transnational drug trade.

Ministerial Meeting in Ashgabat: Key Discussion Points

The ministerial meeting, scheduled for March 4, will be chaired by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are expected to attend.

The discussions will center on the progress made in implementing the five key areas outlined in the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia:

1. Deepening inter-regional political dialog and cooperation
2. Enhancing economic ties, trade, and investment
3. Cooperation in the areas of energy, climate-neutral economy, and connectivity
4. Strengthening people-to-people contacts
5. Mobility

Addressing common security challenges, such as the fight against violent extremism and radicalization, trafficking, and border security, will also be an important part of the agenda. Cyber threats, including cybercrime and disinformation, are also slated for discussion.

The situation in Afghanistan will also be a focal point, with particular attention paid to humanitarian and human rights aspects, as well as potential security risks for the broader region. The EU aims to actively engage with Central asian partners to address these challenges and enhance regional stability.

Benefits of Strengthened Cooperation

According to Ambassador Simkić, the EU is reliable and predictable partner committed to high standards, transparency, and long-term sustainable growth that benefits both regions. The EU aims to foster a favorable business and investment climate in Central Asia, supporting job creation and skills development.

The EU Strategy for Central Asia (2019) and the Joint Roadmap (2023) provide a vision for deeper, long-term engagement. The EU’s Global gateway strategy commits to delivering sustainable, high-quality projects in areas such as connectivity, digitalization, and the green transition, ensuring Central Asia’s role in Europe-Asia economic integration.

Financial Commitments and Investments

The EU’s commitment to Central Asia is backed by significant financial investments. Key figures include:

• Trade & Investment: The EU accounts for a quarter of Central Asia’s trade and has provided 40% of all Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the past decade.
• EU Financial Commitments (2021-2027): 550 million euros in development aid for infrastructure, energy, climate, water management, and education.
• Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor: 88.4 million euros in regional programs through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
• Digital Connectivity: 80 million euros in funding (55 million euros from the EU) to enhance telecoms, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
• Water, Energy, and Climate Change: 700 million euros (200 million euros from the EU) to support sustainable water management and renewable energy projects.
• Critical Raw Materials: 16 million euros to strengthen sustainable critical raw material mining and processing, with a 30 million euro investment guarantee under EFSD+ to unlock new funds for renewable energy and critical raw material projects.
• Education and Skills Development: investments in education, skills development, and job creation to help young people in central Asia access better career opportunities. The DARYA Program (10 million euros) focuses on inclusive skills development, while Erasmus+ (73 million euros for Central Asia) supports student and staff exchanges.

Addressing Sanctions and Illicit Activities

The EU is determined to maximize the impact of its sanctions on Russia to weaken its ability to wage war.Cooperation with Central Asian countries on countering sanctions circumvention is a crucial aspect of the relationship.

According to Ambassador Simkić, malign actors do not hesitate to use any jurisdiction to conduct their illicit activities. The EU and its Central Asian partners are collaborating to identify, control, and stop the re-export of sanctioned items to Russia. The EU will continue to monitor the situation and encourage national authorities to enhance their cooperation.

EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand

The first-ever European Union-Central Asia Summit will take place in Samarkand on April 4. This event marks a historic milestone, signaling a commitment to deepening cooperation at the highest strategic level.

Leaders will review progress on key initiatives under the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the Joint roadmap for deepening EU-Central Asia ties. Discussions will focus on trade, security, connectivity, and

Unveiling the EU-Central Asia Partnership: A Deep Dive into Regional Cooperation

Is the burgeoning relationship between the European Union and Central Asia a mere geopolitical strategy, or something more profound, capable of reshaping the economic and security landscape of the region?

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Petrova, welcome.You’re a leading expert on Eurasian geopolitical dynamics and Central Asian growth. The recent flurry of ministerial meetings and the upcoming summit in Samarkand signal a notable deepening of ties between the EU and Central Asia. Can you offer an overview of this evolving partnership?

Dr. Petrova: The EU-Central Asia partnership is indeed evolving beyond a purely transactional relationship, becoming a multifaceted engagement driven by shared interests and mutual benefits.It’s no longer solely about addressing security concerns; it’s a holistic approach encompassing economic development, sustainable growth, and people-to-people exchanges. This shift signifies a more mature and robust partnership than previously observed. The core foundation of this enhanced cooperation rests on several mutual strategic interests, which include sustainable connectivity, boosting trade and investment, and addressing critical shared challenges like climate change and water resource management.

Interviewer: The “Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties” highlights five key areas of cooperation. Coudl you elaborate on their implications for the region’s future?

Dr.petrova: The Joint Roadmap’s five pillars are crucial for realizing the partnership’s full potential. Deepening political dialog builds trust and fosters mutual understanding. Strengthening economic ties opens doors for increased trade,foreign direct investment,and market access. Cooperation in energy, climate, and connectivity tackles critical infrastructure gaps and promotes sustainable development. People-to-people contacts facilitate cultural exchange and enhance mutual understanding, building bridges between societies. mobility improvements ease travel, boosting tourism and fostering collaborations across sectors. These components work synergistically to create a positive-sum game, furthering progress in Central Asia and strengthening bonds with the EU.

Interviewer: Security cooperation appears to be a key element of this enhanced partnership, especially concerning counter-terrorism and combating illicit activities. How does this aspect complement the economic and development goals?

Dr. Petrova: Security cooperation isn’t separate from economic development; it’s intrinsically linked. A stable and secure environment is essential for attracting foreign investment, fostering economic growth, and improving living standards. By working collaboratively to counter terrorism,violent extremism,and transnational organized crime – including human trafficking and drug smuggling – the EU and Central Asian nations create a more favorable environment for sustainable economic advancements.This includes joint efforts on border security and cybersecurity, critical in today’s interconnected world. Addressing these challenges collectively enhances the overall effectiveness of both security and development initiatives.

Interviewer: The EU’s financial commitments are substantial. How are these investments strategically allocated to achieve maximum impact?

Dr. Petrova: The EU’s financial contributions are strategically targeted across multiple sectors to achieve a cohesive and far-reaching impact. Significant funds are allocated to infrastructure development, particularly the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, which improves connectivity and facilitates trade. Investing in sustainable projects under the Global Gateway initiative aligns with long-term growth goals. furthermore, dedicated funding for renewable energy, water management, and education ensures that Central Asia’s economic and social development is pursued sustainably and inclusively – targeting crucial areas like green and digital transition, critical raw materials development, and human capacity building.

Interviewer: The issue of sanctions on Russia and their circumvention is mentioned. How does this factor into EU-Central Asia relations?

Dr. Petrova: The EU’s sanctions against Russia pose a significant challenge—one that requires careful navigation within the EU-Central Asia partnership. Open and transparent communication is crucial. The focus should be on responsible cooperation to prevent the circumvention of sanctions, while also preserving existing trade relationships and avoiding unintended negative consequences for Central Asian economies. The key is to find the balance between maintaining the integrity of sanctions and fostering the continued positive development of economic and political partnerships with Central Asian nations.

Interviewer: What are the potential long-term implications of this strengthened partnership for both the EU and Central Asia?

Dr. petrova: This enhanced partnership is likely to have profound and lasting implications across numerous spectrum. For Central Asia, it presents an opportunity for economic diversification, sustainable development, and greater integration into the global economy, creating a more resilient and prosperous future. For the EU, it strengthens its strategic influence in a strategically crucial region, enhances energy security and, crucially, facilitates access to vital resources and new economic opportunities.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr.Petrova, for these insightful perspectives. The strengthened EU-Central Asia partnership certainly seems promising, driven by mutual interests and a focus on sustainable development. The future of this cooperation seems robust and ripe with possibilities for mutual gains. What are your final thoughts on this critical partnership?

Dr. Petrova: The EU and Central Asia stand to benefit immensely from continued collaboration.this is not merely a geopolitical strategy; it’s a unique opportunity to build a strong, lasting, and multi-faceted relationship that delivers prosperity and security for all involved. The mutual commitment to long-term, sustainable growth and transparency represents a shift toward a future of deeper, more meaningful engagement. I encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in further discussions regarding this evolving partnership—its potential,challenges,and enduring significance for the Eurasian landscape.