The European Union is outlining its vision for a renewed partnership with Central Asia, updating its strategy on relations with the region first set out in 2007.
The new Joint Communication adopted by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on May 15 sets out a fresh vision for a stronger partnership with the five countries of Central Asia: Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; and Uzbekistan.
The European Commission notes that it comes at a key moment of fast-developing Euro-Asian connectivity, reform and opening up in some of the countries of the region, and new momentum for regional cooperation.
The Joint Communication proposes to focus future EU engagement on two aspects: partnering for resilience by strengthening Central Asian states' capacity to overcome internal and external shocks and enhancing their ability to embrace reform; and partnering for prosperity by supporting economic modernization, promoting sustainable connectivity, and investing in youth.
In addition, the EU is determined to invest in regional cooperation in Central Asia, helping the countries of the region to promote dialogue and cooperation at their own pace.
In line with its Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia and using existing frameworks of cooperation, the EU will, where appropriate, establish partnerships on sustainable connectivity with countries of Central Asia, following market principles, guaranteeing transparency and based on international standards. Envisaged areas of cooperation include transport, energy and digital connections, as well as people-to-people contacts.
The EU also intends to step up cooperation with Central Asian partners to promote peace in Afghanistan. Integrating Afghanistan as appropriate in relevant EU-Central Asia dialogue meetings and regional programs, and supporting more regional and trilateral cooperation projects with Afghan and Central Asian partners, will therefore remain a priority.
The Joint Communication adopted by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on May 15 will now be discussed in the Council and the European Parliament.
High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini, together with the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, intends to present formally the new EU Strategy on Central Asia to her Central Asian counterparts at the 15th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, which will take place in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on July 7.
