The European Union and Tajikistan held their twelfth annual Cooperation Committee meeting on 19 June 2026 in Brussels, reviewing bilateral relations and preparations for a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The meeting, chaired by EEAS Deputy Managing Director Audrone Perkauskiene and Tajik Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ahliddin Nuriddinzoda, covered socio-economic reforms, trade, Global Gateway investments, water, energy, environment, climate, human rights, rule of law, and regional issues including Russia's war against Ukraine. Both sides reiterated commitment to finalising the new agreement soon, which they said would elevate bilateral ties to a new level. The EU reaffirmed support for Tajikistan's stability, prosperity, and reform efforts. The meeting follows a series of EU-Central Asia engagements, including the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in May 2026 and the EU-Central Asia Foreign Ministers meeting in April 2026, where the bloc emphasised deepening cooperation with the region. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, once signed, is expected to expand trade and investment ties, with the EU already a key partner through Global Gateway infrastructure projects. For Tajikistan, the agreement could unlock greater access to EU markets and funding for sustainable development, while the EU gains a stronger foothold in Central Asia amid geopolitical competition. The human rights and rule of law discussions signal continued EU emphasis on governance reforms as a condition for deeper integration. No specific timeline for signature was announced, but both sides expressed urgency to finalise the process.
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