DUSHANBE, July 2, 2015, Asia-Plus – The Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on the EU Strategy for Central Asia on June 22, according to the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan.
The final document highlighted the following:
Considering Central Asia as a region of strategic importance, the European Union has committed to establish a strong, durable and stable relationship with the five Central Asian countries. Eight years after the adoption of the Central Asia Strategy, the Council welcomes the substantial progress achieved in developing the EU”s relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as with the Central Asian region as a whole. Highlighting the significant mutual interest in increased political and economic cooperation, the Council reaffirms the EU”s commitment to a relationship based on the principles of responsibility and ownership, which is aimed at fostering the stable, secure and sustainable development of the region.
The main objectives and priority areas of the 2007 EU Strategy for Central Asia remain pertinent. In implementing the Strategy the EU will take into account the lessons learnt and the changes in the region as well as the altering geopolitical situation around it. The Council calls for strengthening trade and energy links between the EU and Central Asian countries and reinforcing cooperation on security and stability, including sustainable management of natural resources. It emphasizes the fundamental importance of democratization, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and socio-economic development, all of which are essential elements of the Strategy.
The European Union is the world’s biggest aid donor. Tajikistan got the main share of bilateral assistance in the Central Asian region (€66 million for 2007-2010 and 62 million for 2011-2013) in support to sector programs, technical assistance and grants. It focuses on social protection, health and private sector development, underpinned by public finance management. Tajikistan also receives regional and thematic assistance in areas like border management and drug control (BOMCA/CADAP), education (TEMPUS, Erasmus Mundus), water / environment, migration, human rights and democracy (EIDHR), non-State actors (NSA) and SME development (CA-Invest). The EU is active in Tajikistan since 1992 and provides approximately EUR 25 million annually in development assistance.
