Today, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside António Costa, President of the European Council, met the Presidents of Central Asian republics for the first EU-Central Asia Summit.
At the Summit in historic Samarkand, Uzbekistan, leaders established a Strategic Partnership between the regions, marking a new phase in relations.
President von der Leyen described the partnership: “We are drawing closer. This partnership will strengthen our connections, offering new cooperation opportunities in energy, security, digital, and tourism sectors. Reliable partners are vital.”
The new cooperation era will focus on transport, raw materials, energy, climate, and connectivity.
The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, connecting the regions with a €10 billion EU investment in 2024, will be enhanced. President von der Leyen announced an Investors Forum in Uzbekistan this year to boost private investments.
Leaders also endorsed a Joint Declaration on Critical Raw Materials to attract private investments and add regional value.
President von der Leyen emphasized EUs approach: “Europe is committed to developing local industries, not just extraction. Our €1.6 billion investment in Uzbekistans Almalyk copper mine creates local jobs and value.”
Further collaboration is planned in dam development, clean energy, and providing high-speed internet access to schools and villages.
A Global Gateway Investment Package of €12 billion will accelerate progress through a Team Europe approach.
Tackling climate change together
At the Samarkand Climate Forum, President von der Leyen addressed shared EU and Central Asia challenges like temperature and water supply, highlighting climate cooperation: “We are creating a green belt in the Aral Sea basin and helping farmers adapt to drier climates.”
The Global Gateway Package dedicates almost €9 billion to water, energy, climate, and raw materials, enhancing regional climate change capacity.
More information
Speech by President von der Leyen at the plenary session of the Summit
Press statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa following the Summit
Joint press release on the EU-Central Asia Summit
Speech by President von der Leyen at the Samarkand Climate Forum
Joint Declaration following the First European Union-Central Asia Summit