EU and Central Asia strengthen partnership at historic Samarkand summit

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.

Reporting from Samarkand, Fariza Kalimurzina shared updates on the historic summit bringing together Central Asian leaders and top EU officials for the first time. The event, held between the 3rd and and the 4th of April, highlights growing political and economic ties between the regions.

One major priority is developing transport routes, especially the Trans-Caspian corridor. The EU is ready to fund infrastructure projects, aiming to double cargo traffic from 4.5 million to 10 million tons by 2027.

The EU also plans to invest in Central Asia’s critical raw material sector by supporting mining and processing industries, and by offering training programs to develop local expertise.

Green energy remains a focus, with the EU backing renewable energy projects and aiming to expand high-speed satellite internet access in the region.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that trade between Central Asia and the EU has quadrupled over the past seven years, now totaling 54 billion euros.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his country’s readiness to boost exports of 175 products worth over $2 billion to the EU. He also proposed setting up a regional rare earth metals research centre in Astana to support investment and innovation.

Kazakhstan, which supplies 13% of the EU’s oil and produces 19 of 34 critical materials needed for EU industries, reaffirmed its role as a key energy partner.

The summit is expected to conclude with the signing of the Samarkand Declaration, officially establishing a strategic partnership. Leaders also proposed holding these summits every two years.

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