Samarkand Summit: Elevating EU and Central Asia Relations to the Next Level
European Union – Central Asia Summit to be Held in Samarkand
Samarkand is set to host the European Union – Central Asia summit on April 3-4, showcasing a strong political commitment from both regions to deepen and strengthen their partnership. This summit will bring together Central Asian leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa for the first time.
In a statement on April 1, Ursula von der Leyen expressed the importance of taking the partnership with Central Asia to the next level, especially in the current uncertain times where Europe stands for openness and engagement. The summit aims to discuss various shared priorities such as multilateralism, security, trade and investment, environmental and climate issues, energy, and connectivity through the Global Gateway initiative.
The program for the summit includes bilateral meetings, a plenary session, and an international climate forum on April 4. EU officials are looking at this summit as a significant milestone, signaling years of deepening engagement and a desire for stronger strategic ties. They also envision launching a formal EU-Central Asia strategic partnership.
Trade and investment will be central to the summit agenda, with a focus on sectors like transport, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. The EU is a key trade and investment partner for Central Asia, accounting for a significant portion of the region’s foreign trade and investments.
The summit will also address security challenges, including counter-terrorism and regional stability, along with discussions on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Ukraine is expected to be a topic of discussion following recent developments, as the EU seeks further cooperation with Central Asian countries to prevent sanctions circumvention.
The summit holds significance not just for the EU and Central Asia but also for Kazakhstan, which sees it as an opportunity to strengthen its role in the region and secure new opportunities. Kazakhstan, being the only Central Asian country with an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the EU, is in a prime position to deepen cooperation across various sectors with Brussels.
Overall, the EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand is poised to solidify the commitment of both regions to work together for peace, security, and sustainable development. As the summit unfolds, it is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration and tangible projects that benefit both parties and contribute to regional stability and economic growth.
