The First EU-Central Asia Summit Opens A New Chapter for Peace, Security and Democracy
The first Central Asia - European Union Summit was held in Samarkand. It was chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was represented by the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Samarkand, 4 April 2025 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa launched a “new chapter” in EU-Central Asia relations today, the first Central Asia – European Union Summit was held in Samarkand . It was chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was represented by the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
This is our vision of a fair partnership. When our partners grow, Europe grows too.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen
Together with President Mirziyoyev, Central Asian countries were represented by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Against the backdrop of increasing high-level bilateral engagements over the past years and a rapidly evolving multilateral- and regional agenda, the EU and Central Asia leaders agreed to elevate relations between the two regions by establishing a strategic partnership.
“At this historic Summit, Europe and Central Asia have decided to elevate our cooperation to a strategic partnership. In an uncertain world, we send a clear and powerful message: we are partners of choice, and we can rely on each other. To kick-start this new era, we are launching a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package — strengthening transport links between us and deepening cooperation on critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. These investments will benefit us both. Because when our partners grow and prosper, Europe does too.”
EU President Ursula von der Leyen
“After years of successful cooperation it is time to take our partnership with Central Asian to the next level, deepening trade, strengthening regional collaboration and expanding people-to-people ties. This summit reaffirms our shared commitment to a strategic partnership built on common values and interests. The EU remains a reliable forward-looking partner for Central Asia, investing in its long-term sustainable development for mutual, long-lasting benefit. Consistency, predictability and ambition will continue to drive our joint efforts.”
António Costa, President of the European Council
“Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the need for close co-operation is only growing. The development of our multifaceted co-operation is facilitated by the profound transformation in Central Asia, which has become sustainable and irreversible thanks to common political will. Our summit will result in a historic decision to establish a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union. I am convinced that our strategic partnership should be filled with concrete decisions, projects and programmes. I would like to emphasise the importance of introducing mechanisms for the practical implementation of our initiatives and agreements.”
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
There is a growing momentum in the EU-Central Asia relations with a view to securing enhanced bilateral cooperation in several key areas, as well as a shared commitment to peace, security, democracy, and the fundamental principles of international law.
During the EU-Central Asia summit, leaders discussed joint efforts on strengthening sectoral cooperation, highlighting progress on economic, trade and investment ties, based on the implementation of current and future bilateral Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs).
They also supported ongoing efforts towards sustainable transport connectivity and strengthening economic ties through initiatives under the Global Gateway Strategy. In this context, leaders highlighted the progress on the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia. To further support efforts on this front, leaders welcomed the mobilisation of a €10 billion international investment package to support sustainable transport infrastructure and logistics networks in Central Asia. The EU leaders reiterated their continuing support towards the accession of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
To boost cooperation on energy and the green transition, the summit highlighted the shared EU and Central Asia commitment to sustainable value chains for critical raw materials, through the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia declaration of intent on critical raw materials.
Leaders also welcomed the increasing involvement of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the region in the specific areas of energy, water management, connectivity, transport and critical raw materials.
During the summit, Leaders expressed their commitment to regional and global stability, particularly in Afghanistan and Ukraine, and to the promotion and protection of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
EU leaders congratulated President Mirziyoyev for the warm hospitality and organisation of a successful summit, which marks a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations.
The summit concluded with renewed energy and shared determination to implement this ambitious roadmap.
Do you want to share your story and inspire our readers ? Know that YOUR EXPERTISE is paving the way for a fairer, happier society.
