Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Samarkand ahead of the summit, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming discussions. In a post on social media, she stated, "We are in Samarkand for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit. Tomorrow, we will launch a new Strategic Partnership with Central Asia. It means we can rely on each other. And in today’s world, this matters more than ever."
The summit will focus on several key areas of cooperation. Trade and investment are central themes, with the EU set to unveil a major investment package aimed at modernizing critical infrastructure in Central Asia. Investment priorities will focus on transport, natural resources, electricity transmission, and digitalization. Additionally, green energy, mining, and the processing of minerals are expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
The EU is expected to highlight its ongoing Global Gateway project, a €300 billion initiative designed to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. This project seeks to shorten travel time between the EU and Central Asia to just 15 days, significantly enhancing connectivity between the two regions. Security is also on the agenda, with discussions set to include combating terrorism, illegal migration, and broader regional stability.
In an interview with Euronews on April 2nd, Uzbek President Mirziyoyev noted that trade between the EU and the region has quadrupled over the past seven years, reaching €54 billion. The EU is now one of the region’s key trading partners, accounting for over 40% of foreign investments.
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of shifting global dynamics. With the war in Ukraine and growing tensions between Europe and the United States over security issues, the EU views the summit as a crucial step toward greater engagement with Central Asia. Experts suggest that Brussels is aiming to reposition itself geopolitically in response to the evolving situation in the region.
The Samarkand summit will not be the first high-level meeting between Central Asian nations and global powers. Over the past two years, similar "Central Asia+" summits have been held by the United States, China, Russia, and Germany, which also organized a separate summit. However, Brussels views the Samarkand summit as the beginning of a new era of regular engagements.
As the summit draws near, expectations are high, with both sides eager to make meaningful progress. If the discussions are marked by honesty and clear goals, the Samarkand summit could pave the way for a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
The European Commission is challenging Italy's use of "golden powers" in the banking sector, raising concerns over potential breaches of EU law and prompting a broader debate on investment screening rules across the bloc.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that the sweeping new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump do not breach the alliance’s treaties, including the provision encouraging economic collaboration among member nations.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
Bone fragments believed to date back to the Middle Ages were found in Eyvazkhanbayli village of Aghdam district, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
Lebanon’s new central bank governor, Karim Souaid, has outlined plans to bolster financial oversight and restore economic stability, including restructuring public debt and addressing long-standing obligations to depositors.
The first-ever EU–Central Asia summit is being held in Samarkand, focusing on transport, green energy, and raw materials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined major projects to deepen regional cooperation.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that the sweeping new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump do not breach the alliance’s treaties, including the provision encouraging economic collaboration among member nations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment