EU Seeks to Strengthen Relationships with Central Asia at Historic Samarkand Summit
The European Union and Central Asian countries have embarked on their first-ever high-level summit, with the aim of strengthening ties and increasing cooperation in various areas. The summit, scheduled for April 3-4, seeks to elevate the relationship between Brussels and Central Asia to a strategic partnership, as outlined in a draft document seen by RFE/RL.
The European Union aims to deepen its partnership with the region through enhanced cooperation on water management, critical minerals, and digital connectivity. Additionally, the EU is focusing on trade and investment initiatives, all of which fall under the Global Gateway infrastructure partnership plan launched in 2021. This plan serves as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and aims to boost economic development in the region.
A key component of the Global Gateway in Central Asia is the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC), also known as the Middle Corridor, which connects China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. The EU document calls for further expansion of this trade route.
The EU’s interest in Central Asia has been growing, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Central Asian countries are looking to diversify their partnerships, with the EU being the region’s largest foreign investor. The EU has signed agreements and pledged funds to support infrastructure projects, such as the Middle Corridor trade route.
While China remains a significant player in the region, the EU’s Global Gateway initiative aims to provide an alternative and help Central Asia reduce its dependence on Moscow. The EU’s focus on connectivity and infrastructure development is seen as a way to create new opportunities for business and strengthen ties with Central Asian countries.
The summit in Samarkand is expected to inject new momentum into EU-Central Asia initiatives, aiming to address challenges such as limited capacity and infrastructure bottlenecks along key trade routes. The EU’s infrastructure program, similar to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, presents an opportunity for the EU to become a more visible player in the region and foster greater cooperation with Central Asian countries.
