2025 European Union–Central Asia summit

2025 European Union–Central Asia summit
Host countryUzbekistan
Date3–4 April 2025
ParticipantsEuropean Union, Central Asian states
Key points
New EU–Central Asia Strategic Partnership adopted, US$13.2 billion EU investment package, calls for human rights progress

The 2025 European Union–Central Asia summit was a summit held on 3–4 April 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.[1] It was the first summit meeting between the European Union and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.[2] The summit increased cooperation in areas of shared interest such as economic development, human rights, and political repression in Central Asia.[3]

Participants

The event was hosted by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 3–4 April 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.[4]

Outcomes

The summit ended with the launch of the EU–Central Asia Strategic Partnership, a plan for political and economic cooperation. The European Union pledged $13.2 billion to support infrastructure development, green energy, and technology projects designed to promote regional growth.[5] The European Union urged Central Asian countries to improve political freedoms, human rights, and judicial fairness.[6][7]

The summit showed some tensions among Turkic states over Northern Cyprus.[8][9][10]

European leaders called the summit the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between Europe and Central Asia. Central Asian leaders welcomed closer ties, and opportunities for cultural exchanges as well as new investment and growth.[11][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Zipatolla, Shyngys (14 May 2025). "Rethinking EU Strategy in Central Asia: Achieving Long-Term Success for the Middle Corridor". German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  2. ^ "EU leaders hold their first summit with Central Asian states". AP News. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  3. ^ "EU and Central Asia launch strategic partnership at Samarkand summit". Euronews. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  4. ^ Sharipzhan, Merhat (4 April 2025). "Samarkand Summit Marks A New Era In EU-Central Asia Relations Amid Geopolitical Challenges". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  5. ^ "EU unveils $13.2 billion investment package for Central Asia". The Astana Times. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Samarkand's moment: What did the EU-Central Asia Summit offer?". Opinion Magazine. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  7. ^ "EU, Central Asia to Deepen Ties at Samarkand Summit". The Astana Times. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  8. ^ "EU-Central Asia summit tests unity of Turkic World amid Northern Cyprus dispute". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  9. ^ "TRNC President Urges Central Asia to Tread Carefully on Cyprus in EU Deals". Times of Central Asia. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  10. ^ Sorbello, Paolo (18 April 2025). "Central Asia Opens Diplomatic Rift With Turkiye Over Cyprus". The Diplomat. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  11. ^ "Samarkand Summit sees EU deepen Central Asia strategic relations". Euractiv. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Mirziyoyev champions a flourishing Central Asia-European Union partnership". The Times of Central Asia. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.

Further reading

Economic development

Human rights

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