The European Union has commended the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) for its balanced and impactful engagement across all three OSCE dimensions, supporting Uzbekistan's reform agenda and upholding OSCE commitments. In a statement delivered at OSCE Permanent Council No. 1564 on 14 May 2026, the EU praised Ambassador Antti Karttunen and his team for their outstanding work, highlighting activities in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, border management, good governance, anti-corruption, human rights, and gender equality. The statement also noted the PCUz's support for the first Fergana Peace Forum in October 2025 and efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The EU's statement, published by the EEAS on 4 June 2026, underscores the strategic importance of Uzbekistan as a partner in Central Asia. Relations reached a historic milestone with President Mirziyoyev's visit to Brussels in October 2025 and the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which embeds cooperation on rule of law, human rights, climate action, digitalisation, and critical raw materials. The EU also welcomed the PCUz's plans to develop a new Joint Road Map for 2027–2028 with national partners, encouraging a continued focus on strategic priorities where OSCE expertise can make the most tangible difference.
Stakeholder impact The statement reflects broad EU support for the PCUz's activities, which benefit multiple stakeholders. For Uzbekistan's government, the PCUz's work supports reform efforts in governance, anti-corruption, and public administration, potentially improving efficiency and international standing. For civil society, activities such as media literacy training for 150 young professionals, training for journalists on emerging technologies, and the trauma-informed approach to combatting trafficking in human beings strengthen protections and empower vulnerable groups. For women and youth, initiatives like IT and entrepreneurship trainings in Bukhara and Karakalpakstan, which benefited 550 women and young people, and support for women's entrepreneurship forums, promote economic inclusion. For the OSCE itself, the PCUz's balanced engagement across all three dimensions reinforces the organization's relevance in Central Asia, particularly amid Russia's war against Ukraine and its socio-economic repercussions for the region.
Implementation and follow-up The EU takes note of the PCUz's plans to develop a new Joint Road Map for 2027–2028 with national partners, which will define future strategic priorities. The statement also aligns with the broader EU-Central Asia partnership framework, including the EPCA signed in October 2025. Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine aligned themselves with the EU statement.
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