President Ursula von der Leyen, along with President António Costa, will attend the first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Friday, April 4. This visit underscores the EUs commitment to a stronger partnership with Central Asia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “We are heading to Samarkand to take our partnership with Central Asia to the next level. In these uncertain times, Europe stands for openness and engagement. For Europe, Central Asia is a partner of choice. At the Summit, we will deepen trade ties and expand cooperation in transport, raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. All this will be supported by a new Global Gateway investment package, turning our commitment into action.”

The Summit lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between the two regions, with a special focus on the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC). The EU and Central Asia will also explore stronger cooperation on security issues.

During her visit, President von der Leyen will meet the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on Thursday. Furthermore, on Friday, together with President Costa, she will participate in the plenary session of the Summit and deliver a speech at the inauguration of the Samarkand Climate Forum. Follow the visit on Europe by Satellite.

Background

In 2019, the EU adopted a new Strategy on Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), highlighting the regions growing strategic importance. 

Since 2019, cooperation between the EU and Central Asia has advanced in many areas and serves as an example of a partnership for resilience, prosperity, and sustainability. New initiatives, including the EUs Global Gateway, provide a framework for green and digital transitions while increasing trade, investment, and connectivity.

In October 2023, the EU and Central Asia adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia outlining five key areas to enhance EU-Central Asia relations through dialogue and practical cooperation. This Roadmap further demonstrates the commitment of the EU and Central Asia to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.