Multi-faceted Cooperation at Samarkand Summit: Strategic Partnership, Transport Corridors, and Critical Minerals
The first-ever Central Asia-EU Summit took place in Samarkand on April 3-4, where regional leaders and top EU officials gathered to discuss key issues under the theme of “Investing in the Future.” The summit focused on topics such as green economy, digital transformation, connectivity, and security, with a significant €12 billion EU investment package announcement.
The event was chaired by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the EU represented by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Discussions at the summit concentrated on strengthening strategic ties between the EU and Central Asia, with a focus on sustainable and green economy, critical raw materials, digital transformation, and infrastructure and logistics, including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
Security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and the prevention of sanctions circumvention, were also addressed. A €12 billion investment package under the Global Gateway initiative was announced by President von der Leyen, along with the mobilization of a €10 billion international investment package to support sustainable transport infrastructure in Central Asia.
A significant outcome of the summit was the decision to elevate relations to a strategic partnership, formalized in a Joint Declaration focusing on regional cooperation, rule of law, civil society, security, and peace. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the region, which holds nearly 40% of the world’s critical raw materials essential for advancing green energy and digital technologies.
In addition to the summit, Uzbekistan hosted the Samarkand International Climate Forum, addressing environmental challenges in the region. With UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of severe environmental threats such as droughts and ecological degradation, global action was called for.
The summit also featured the Aral Culture Summit, highlighting the intersection of environmental issues and artistic expression in the region. This event emphasized the human side of ecological challenges in Central Asia.
Overall, the Samarkand summit was a significant development in Central Asia-EU cooperation, marking a new chapter in their relations. With a focus on political dialogue, investment initiatives, and climate-related priorities, both sides outlined steps toward enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development.
