Why the EU is strengthening ties with Central Asia – experts' insights

As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.

The upcoming EU-Central Asia summit, set for April 3-4, 2025, in Samarkand, has sparked discussions among European experts on the importance of strengthening ties with the region.

Slovak MEP Katarína Nevedálová welcomed the summit, expressing hope that it would boost EU-Central Asia cooperation. She emphasized the need to analyze existing institutional frameworks and expand economic partnerships, as Central Asia is becoming a key geopolitical player.

EU Reporter columnist Derya Soysal noted that Europe’s interest in Central Asia has intensified, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and growing climate concerns. Major EU economies like Germany and France are increasing bilateral engagements, particularly with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which have emerged as strategic partners.

Beyond economics, the EU aims to extend its influence by promoting democracy, human rights, and European values. Central Asia’s stability makes it a suitable candidate for deeper European engagement. Since 2022, high-level meetings between Central Asian leaders and the President of the European Council have established concrete goals for strengthening ties.

In the 1990s, Europe viewed Central Asia mainly through the lens of regional security and the Afghan crisis. Today, economic cooperation, access to energy and raw materials, and transport infrastructure—especially the Middle Corridor—have taken center stage. The EU, already the region’s second-largest trade partner and leading investor, seeks to expand capital inflows into Central Asia.

Dr. Maurizio Geri, an EU Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow and Italian Navy reservist, believes this is a pivotal moment. Central Asian nations are improving regional cooperation while deepening ties with Europe. The EU, with its experience in regional integration, could offer valuable guidance.

Greater regional cohesion would help Central Asia navigate geopolitical pressures from major powers like China and Russia. Economic cooperation in renewable energy and critical raw materials, essential for technological advancements, presents another key opportunity. Europe’s reliance on China for rare earth elements makes Central Asia a strategic alternative for diversifying supply chains.

Experts agree that the summit could mark a new phase in EU-Central Asia relations, fostering stronger economic, political, and energy partnerships.

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