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.
Millions of voters in Romania, Poland, and Portugal will head to the polls this Sunday, with crucial elections that could shape the future of their countries amid rising political tensions.
Hungary’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to monitor, penalize, or ban groups accused of threatening national sovereignty through foreign funding.
The UK is heading into summer with a growing threat of drought, as river flows across the country hit exceptionally low levels.
Cambodia's armed forces launched their largest-ever Golden Dragon joint military exercise with China on Wednesday, set to include land, sea, and air operations over the next two weeks.
Russian-born scientist and Harvard University research associate Kseniia Petrova, 31, has been criminally charged in the United States for attempting to smuggle frog embryo samples into the country, federal prosecutors in Boston announced.
Millions of voters in Romania, Poland, and Portugal will head to the polls this Sunday, with crucial elections that could shape the future of their countries amid rising political tensions.
Hungary’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to monitor, penalize, or ban groups accused of threatening national sovereignty through foreign funding.
The UK is heading into summer with a growing threat of drought, as river flows across the country hit exceptionally low levels.
Cambodia's armed forces launched their largest-ever Golden Dragon joint military exercise with China on Wednesday, set to include land, sea, and air operations over the next two weeks.
Russian-born scientist and Harvard University research associate Kseniia Petrova, 31, has been criminally charged in the United States for attempting to smuggle frog embryo samples into the country, federal prosecutors in Boston announced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his Gulf tour with a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, securing a major strategic economic agreement and pledging deep investment ties between the two nations.
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov participated in a capsule-laying ceremony marking the start of construction for the new Jalal-Abad International Airport in Suzak district, the presidential press service. reported.
Uzbekistan will host the next EU–Central Asia Economic and Investors’ Forums in November, EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar announced during Europe Day celebrations, highlighting growing ties and President Mirziyoyev’s planned visit to Brussels to sign a landmark agreement.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi has been appointed as special representative on Caspian Sea issue.
Azerbaijan could be among several new countries to join the Abraham Accords in the coming months, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said, adding that Armenia, Syria, and Lebanon may also normalize ties with Israel under the agreement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson welcomed the PKK's declaration of disarmament and dissolution, calling it an important step toward rejecting violence and strengthening security.
Millions of voters in Romania, Poland, and Portugal will head to the polls this Sunday, with crucial elections that could shape the future of their countries amid rising political tensions.
Hungary’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to monitor, penalize, or ban groups accused of threatening national sovereignty through foreign funding.
The UK is heading into summer with a growing threat of drought, as river flows across the country hit exceptionally low levels.
Cambodia's armed forces launched their largest-ever Golden Dragon joint military exercise with China on Wednesday, set to include land, sea, and air operations over the next two weeks.
Russian-born scientist and Harvard University research associate Kseniia Petrova, 31, has been criminally charged in the United States for attempting to smuggle frog embryo samples into the country, federal prosecutors in Boston announced.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment