EU - Central Asia relations: Council and EU Institutions

The Council welcomes strengthened relations between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan since the adoption of the first EU Strategy on Central Asia in 2007. In a world characterised by
growing interdependence and interconnection, the EU and Central Asia are bound by strong mutual interests and are now closer than ever. The Council underlines the significant opportunities that positive dynamics in Central Asia have created for taking the EU-Central Asia partnership forward.

The Council recognises that the countries of Central Asia have become significant partners of the EU. Ten years after the adoption of the Central Asia strategy, and more than 25 years after the five countries became independent, the Council welcomes the progress achieved in developing the EU's relations with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as with the Central Asian region as a whole. The Council emphasises the importance of the current formats of cooperation between the EU and the Central Asian countries, such as the EU-Central Asia ministerial meetings, the Cooperation Councils with the individual countries and the High Level Political and Security Dialogue, and recognises the important work of the EUSR for Central Asia.

1. 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.
2. 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 emphasises the fundamental importance of democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and socio-economic development, all of which are essential elements of the Strategy.

On 23 October 2023, the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan and of the European Union’s (EU) Member States, as well as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships (‘Participants’) held their 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg.
See also: Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, 23 October 2023
Foreign Affairs Council (In the margins of the Council meeting - 19th EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting)
EU-Central Asia: 19th Ministerial meeting held in Luxembourg on 23 October 2023 (EEAS)

The Joint Roadmap includes the following areas:

Key area 1 - Deepening the inter-regional political dialogue and cooperation
Key area 2 - Enhancing economic ties, trade and investment
Key area 3 - Engaging on energy, climate neutral economy, connectivity under the Global Gateway and cooperating on the European Green Deal
Key area 4 - Addressing common security challenges
Key area 5 - Strengthening people-to-people contacts and mobility

On 2 June 2023, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov (represented by Turkmenistan's Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers Nurmuhammet Amannepesov) and President of the European Council Charles Michel welcomed the second regional high-level meeting in Cholpon-Ata.

On 27 October 2022, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov (represented by Turkmenistan's Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers) and President of the European Council Charles Michel welcomed the first regional high-level meeting in Astana.

On 17 June 2019, the Council adopted conclusions on a new EU strategy on Central Asia, adapting the EU policy to new opportunities which have emerged in the region.
The Council welcomes the strengthening of relations between the EU and Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan since the adoption of the first EU strategy for Central Asia in 2007.
The Council endorses the Joint Communication on "The EU and Central Asia: New Opportunities for a Stronger Partnership" by the High Representative and the European Commission which, together with the Council conclusions, provides a new policy framework for EU engagement with the countries of Central Asia over the coming years. The new strategy focuses on promoting resilience, prosperity, and regional cooperation in Central Asia.

"The Council exchanged views on Central Asia with a specific focus on stepping up the EU's ambition in the region.
The EU has a strong interest in intensifying political engagement with Central Asia and seeing it develop as a more resilient, prosperous and more closely interconnected economic and political space. Such interest in stronger cooperation is reciprocated by partners in the region. Possible areas of enhanced cooperation include promoting green and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery, for instance through flagship Global Gateway projects, and managing the repercussions of the situation in Afghanistan and other security related challenges. Engagement in areas of business and investment as well as human rights, democracy, rule of law and governance was also considered to be important."

On 25 June, the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Brussels, as an important milestone in the strengthening bilateral relations. The Agreement will provide a new legal basis for reinforced political dialogue and deepening cooperation in many mutually beneficial areas.
See also: Factsheet on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Kyrgyz Republic (EEAS, 25 June 2024)

The Cooperation Council between the European Union and Kazakhstan held its twentieth meeting on Monday, 23 October 2023 in Luxemburg. Marking the 30th anniversary of EU-Kazakhstan bilateral relations this year, and reaching a record high in mutual trade, both parties confirmed their commitment to deepening and widening cooperation and to realising the full potential of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).
Background information: The EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was signed on 21 December 2015. It was provisionally applied since 1 May 2016 and entered into force on 1 March 2020 after being ratified by all EU MS. The EU is by far Kazakhstan’s first trade partner representing 40% of its external trade. The EU is also the first foreign investor in Kazakhstan, representing 48% of total (gross) foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and approximately 60% of total net FDI stocks in 2018. (Source : The European Union and Kazakhstan, EEAS)

Held in Luxemburg, the Cooperation Council reviewed the state of play of bilateral relations, and addressed political and socio-economic developments, trade, investment and energy cooperation, as well as regional and international issues.

The 17th EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council was chaired by Jan LIPAVSKÝ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, on behalf of Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Uzbekistan’s delegation was led by Bakhtiyor SAIDOV, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Cooperation Council focused on general and political matters, including internal and constitutional reforms, justice & home affairs, human rights and rule of law issues, and discusses trade, economic and investment issues.

The Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia handles all aspects of EU relations and cooperation with countries in Eastern Europe (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan).

The mandate of Terhi HAKALA as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia is extended until 28 February 2025. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).’

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