European Commission: EU–Central Asia Partnership Moves to Practical Implementation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A high-level European Union mission in November, led by European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, and Commissioner for Enlargement, Maarta Kosh, aimed to deepen strategic EU–Central Asia cooperation, focusing on infrastructure projects, sustainable logistics, and the development of supply chains for critical raw materials.

The European Commission notes that discussions centered on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which is expected to reduce cargo delivery times between Europe and Central Asia to 15 days and enhance the resilience of transport routes connecting the EU, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye.

The mission included participation of the commissioners in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Regional Connectivity Investment Forum on 27 November, as well as in the 3rd EU–Central Asia Economic Forum held the day before. Both events took place in Tashkent with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Union.

European Commission: Partnership “Moves from Potential to Implementation”

In a statement issued following the visit, Síkela emphasized that the EU has already begun practical implementation of agreements:

*"My visit to Uzbekistan — the second this year — demonstrates that the European Union–Central Asia partnership has moved from potential to implementation. Commitments made at the first Investment Forum and the historic EU–Central Asia Summit are now turning into concrete projects: modernized roads and port facilities, digital tools, and strengthened critical raw material value chains. Together, we are enhancing connectivity and economic resilience in our regions amid a complex geopolitical landscape."*

The visit continues the momentum from the first EU–Central Asia Summit held in April in Samarkand, where Team Europe announced a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package. These funds are directed toward developing transport connectivity, critical raw materials, digital networks, and water–energy–climate projects in the region.

EU–Central Asia Economic Forum: Focus on Raw Materials, Digitalization, and Geodata

At the Economic Forum, Síkela presented new programs for developing responsible supply chains for critical raw materials and preparing new investment projects. Special attention was given to digital transformation, open access to geodata, and support for ecological restoration in the Aral Sea region.

Trans-Caspian Corridor Investment Forum: New Team Europe Investments

The Forum assessed progress over the past year and emphasized practical steps forward. Team Europe announced new investments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — ranging from port and road infrastructure modernization to improving logistics hubs.

The EU is also allocating €15 million to simplify trade and digitize customs procedures along the corridor, aiming to enhance business efficiency and accelerate cargo transport.

During the mission, Síkela and Kosh held bilateral meetings with leadership from all Central Asian countries, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to long-term partnership in the region.