Establishing a Strategic Partnership In her speech at the inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of a new Strategic Partnership between the European Union and Central Asia. This partnership aims to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors including energy, security, digital innovation, and tourism. President von der Leyen positioned the accord as a response to emerging global geopolitical divisions, emphasizing mutual sovereignty and long-term collaboration.
Concrete Investment Plans and Infrastructure Priorities The speech featured several concrete proposals, notably a €12 billion Global Gateway Investment Package dedicated to Central Asia. This fund is intended to support a pipeline of projects under a 'Team Europe' approach, integrating EU and member state contributions. A specific highlight is the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, with a past EU pledge of €10 billion to halve travel time between Europe and Central Asia to 15 days. President von der Leyen further announced a 2025 Investors Forum in Uzbekistan to secure private funding for this corridor, reflecting an effort to increase EU involvement in regional infrastructure and connectivity.
Focus on Raw Materials and Energy The Commission President underscored Central Asia's wealth in critical raw materials—manganese, lithium, and graphite—essential for the future economy. She promoted a model emphasizing local added value instead of mere extraction, building on a €1.6 billion European investment in Uzbekistan's Almalyk copper mine. A Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Raw Materials was endorsed, signaling a push for joint development of mining, refining, research, and workforce training. This should bolster strategic autonomy for both regions. Additionally, clean energy cooperation was encouraged with projects like the Rogun Dam set to transform Central Asia into a renewable power hub.
Implications for Stakeholders For EU producers and investors, these plans open avenues for participation in lucrative transport and raw material sectors with potential long-term partnerships. Central Asian governments gain from enhanced sovereignty and economic diversification but face the challenges of coordinating infrastructure and industrial development. Consumers and communities in both regions stand to benefit from improved connectivity and job creation, though successful outcomes depend on effective implementation and border cooperation. For EU regulatory bodies, expanded engagement in Central Asia represents increased supervisory and coordination responsibilities. Overall, the speech signals a significant policy orientation towards intensifying EU external engagement through infrastructure investment, strategic raw materials cooperation, and energy transition support, balancing EU integration ambitions with respect for Central Asian sovereignty.
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