A single amendment to the European Parliament's resolution on the EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, published on 11 May 2026, accuses Uzbekistan of weaponising international legal cooperation tools for transnational repression against civil society. Co-tabled by the S&D and Verts/ALE groups, the amendment introduces a new paragraph expressing concern over 'growing evidence' that Uzbekistan has misused INTERPOL notices, mutual legal assistance requests, and anti-money laundering frameworks to target activists and dissidents. The move directly challenges the narrative of Uzbekistan as a reliable partner and inserts a sharp human rights conditionality into the Parliament's position.
The amendment targets the resolution drafted by rapporteur Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew Europe) on the EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which is scheduled for a plenary vote. The original draft resolution, published as part of the A10-0107/2026 report, takes a broadly positive view of the partnership, emphasising geopolitical and economic benefits. The S&D and Verts/ALE amendment seeks to reframe the debate by placing the protection of civil society and the rule of law at the centre of the Parliament's assessment.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The amendment represents a clear cleavage between a rights-based, conditional approach to EU external relations and a more pragmatic, engagement-focused stance. The S&D and Verts/ALE groups argue that enhanced partnership must be contingent on Uzbekistan ending its alleged misuse of legal frameworks. By contrast, the EPP, Renew Europe, ECR, ID, and The Left — which did not co-sponsor the amendment — signal a preference for a more conciliatory tone, prioritising geopolitical stability and economic cooperation over explicit condemnation. The trade-off is between holding Uzbekistan accountable for human rights abuses and maintaining a constructive dialogue that could yield broader strategic benefits for the EU in Central Asia.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU civil society and human rights advocates: The amendment strengthens their position by formally raising the issue of transnational repression at the EU level, potentially leading to greater scrutiny of Uzbekistan's practices.
- Uzbek government: The accusation, if adopted, would damage Uzbekistan's international reputation and could complicate its cooperation with EU law enforcement and financial intelligence agencies.
- EU foreign policy institutions (EEAS, Commission): The amendment could constrain their ability to pursue a pragmatic partnership with Uzbekistan, as they would need to address the specific allegations in bilateral engagements.
- European businesses and investors: A more conditional approach may introduce political risk for EU companies operating in Uzbekistan, potentially slowing investment in sectors like energy and infrastructure.
Expected institutional follow-up
The amendment will be debated and voted on during the European Parliament's plenary session. If adopted, it will become part of the final resolution, which is non-binding but carries political weight. The Council and the European Commission will take note of the Parliament's position as they implement the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The next procedural step is the plenary vote, expected in the coming weeks.