A New EU-Central Asia Strategic Partnership on Climate At the inauguration of the Samarkand Climate Forum, President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a new strategic partnership between Europe and Central Asia focusing on climate security and environmental protection. Emphasizing the shared challenges both regions face with warming temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average, she highlighted the existential threat posed to Central Asia’s water supply and natural landscapes.
Concrete Steps in Climate Adaptation and Energy Transition Von der Leyen presented tangible initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway investment agenda aimed at climate adaptation. These include creating a green belt in the Aral Sea basin and supporting Central Asian farmers with water-saving technologies, paralleling adaptations European farmers are making. On energy, she referenced commitments by Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 under the Global Energy Transition Forum, backed by EU investments in hydroelectric projects like the Rogun and Kambarata dams.
Fostering Sustainable Resource Partnership The speech also addressed the economic angle: Central Asia’s vast reserves of critical minerals essential for clean technologies. Von der Leyen proposed a partnership model emphasizing local processing and environmentally responsible extraction, aiming to build resilient, value-added supply chains, contrasting with exploitative approaches.
Political Implications and Stakeholder Impact The speech signals a push for increased EU influence through partnership rather than imposing sovereignty, focusing on cooperation rather than regulation imposition. Key stakeholders affected include Central Asian governments and farmers benefiting from adaptation support; EU renewable energy sectors gaining collaboration opportunities; raw material industries facing stricter environmental standards; and civil society groups advocating sustainable development.
The proposals set a direction toward strengthening EU external engagement and promoting environmental stewardship combined with economic development. However, the balance of mutual benefits versus increased EU involvement will be closely watched by all parties involved.
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