Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Council of the European Union has appointed Edgars Skuja as the new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia.

Skuja will assume his duties on 1 March 2025, with an initial mandate of two years, according to the EU Council’s official statement.

His primary task will be to strengthen relations between the EU and Central Asian countries based on shared values. His responsibilities will also include promoting regional stability, fostering cooperation among states, and supporting democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and human rights.

Additionally, Skuja will work to enhance the EU’s role and influence in Central Asia, including through increased coordination with international organizations such as the OSCE and the UN.

A seasoned Latvian diplomat, Skuja has served as Latvia’s Permanent Representative to the EU and as Deputy State Secretary – Political Director of the Latvian Foreign Ministry. From 2016 to 2020, he led the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan and previously held ambassadorial posts in the United Kingdom and France.

He will replace Terhi Hakala, who has served as the EU Special Representative for Central Asia since July 2021.