President von der Leyen announces EU-Central Asia Strategic Partnership at Summit in Uzbekistan

On April 4, 2025, the first Central Asia - European Union Summit was held in Samarkand, chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Together with President Mirziyoyev, leaders from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan were also present.

Amid increasing bilateral engagements and a rapidly evolving regional agenda, EU and Central Asian leaders agreed to enhance relations by establishing a strategic partnership.

President von der Leyen stated: “At this historic Summit, Europe and Central Asia have decided to elevate our cooperation to a strategic partnership. In an uncertain world, we send a powerful message: we are partners of choice. To initiate this new era, we are launching a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package to strengthen transport links and deepen cooperation on critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. These investments will benefit us both, as the growth and prosperity of our partners contribute to Europes success.”

For more information, please refer to the joint press release, the Presidents speech at the EU-Central Asia summit, and our factsheet on the topic.

(For more information: Arianna Podestà — Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24)