“The rapidly changing world today needs more Win-Win cooperation of equal partners that benefit from their mutual work. I believe that during my visit of Tajikistan, we were able to lay firm grounds for such a cooperation between this remarkable country and the European Union,” says an op-ed by Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.
He notes that during his mission, he was working to advance the Global Gateway, the strategy through which they are offering what Europe does best – “human-centered development that is sustainable and does not leave anyone behind.”
Mr. Sikela says his trip highlights the EU commitment to further strengthening its partnerships across Central Asia. Tajikistan, with its vast natural resources and youthful population, reportedly stands poised to be a leader in sustainable development, supplying the region with clean energy and facilitating fair regional cooperation.
“We can help with that. The Global Gateway strategy aims to foster sustainable connectivity in crucial areas such as energy, water, climate change, digitalization, and education. Specifically, during my stay, we signed projects worth €40 million that will modernize Tajikistan’s electricity grid and promote sustainable agricultural and industrial practices in the cotton sector and facilitate the export of high-quality Tajik textiles. Through these projects we together invest in the future of local communities, enhancing economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
“But these projects are only a small part of the whole cooperation between the EU and Tajikistan. In the long term, we are working together on many other large-scale projects, with positive impact on the whole region.
“Having many experiences with the fact that cooperation is the best approach, we as the EU, are working under Team Europe approach. It means that we are bringing the best expertise of our companies, supported with our EU institutions and European development banks to ensure the maximal impact and sustainability of the whole project,” European Commissioner for International Partnerships says.
According to the article, the main projects the EU is working together with Tajikistan, is the construction of the Sebzor hydropower plant in the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and the modernization of the electricity grid in Khatlon province. These projects are reportedly vital in addressing Tajikistan's energy security needs, especially given the country’s significant hydropower potential.
“These projects confirm our commitment to focusing on investments in renewable energy. This modernization will not only reduce energy losses but also lay the groundwork for sustainable energy practices that can serve as a model for the region,” the article says, noting that Tajikistan's energy transition in the first place benefits the local society, businesses and improves the services in the country. However, it also has positive impact on the whole region.
“This is also true for the Roghun hydropower plant, which I visited during my mission to underscore the importance of the project and of the production of sustainable electricity in general,” Mr. Sikela notes.
“However, our win-win cooperation goes beyond energy. For the 2021-2027 period we have allocated €142 million for our bilateral cooperation with Tajikistan. We are focusing on three priority areas: (i) inclusive green and digital economy; (ii) human development; and (iii) natural resources management,” the article says.
“…We also remain deeply committed to promoting human rights, particularly media freedom, which is crucial for any democratic society. This effort aims to improve the living conditions in Tajikistan to everyone.
“It extends to upholding the rights of journalists and media organizations, as a vibrant press is essential for an informed public discourse. Our engagement with Tajikistan is rooted in promoting democratic values and strengthening civil society, which not only plays a vital role in providing services and a voice to the most vulnerable, but also promotes transparency and accountability in public life,” the article says, noting that by supporting initiatives that improve media literacy and protect journalists, “we can foster an environment where diverse voices are heard and respected.”
“Education also plays a pivotal role in our partnership. During my visit, I announced a payment of €10 million into the State Treasury to support the implementation of Tajikistan's National Strategy for Education Development 2030. By focusing on improving the quality of education and vocational training, we are empowering individuals and contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth.
“As I leave Tajikistan, my message is clear: the European Union is here as a partner, committed to supporting Tajikistan in its journey towards sustainable development, economic resilience, and social progress. Together, we can build a future that will bring more opportunities and better quality of life to the citizens of Tajikistan,” Mr. Sikela concluded.
