At the first Central Asia—European Union summit on April 4th in Samarkand, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of a strategic partnership between the regions and the initiation of the €12 billion Global Gateway strategy.
“Central Asia is a region of proud, sovereign states with ancient history and great ambitions. Your strategic location provides access to global trade routes and investment flows. These new investments will strengthen your sovereignty, boost your economies, and most importantly – create new friendly ties. They will bring people together,” said the President of the European Commission.
“We, Europeans, want to be partners in this new chapter of your millennia-old history. That is why today we are establishing a new strategic partnership between Central Asia and Europe,” she added.
“We are becoming closer to each other. This partnership will strengthen the ties between our regions, create new opportunities for cooperation – in energy, security, digital development, and tourism. And this partnership will unite people on both sides. Reliable partners are more important than ever. Our strategic partnership is a commitment to stand by each other,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
Within the framework of the new partnership, she highlighted four priority areas of cooperation.
First – the development of transport corridors.
The EU confirmed the allocation of €10 billion for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which will reduce the land route between Europe and Central Asia by almost half – to 15 days.
In 2025, an investment forum dedicated to supporting the project will be held in Uzbekistan. “In a world of growing fragmentation, the Trans-Caspian corridor will become a connecting link between Central Asia and Europe. But infrastructure is not the only important aspect. Rapid border crossings within Central Asia and the South Caucasus are also necessary to access the Black Sea. After three decades of closure, the opening of Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan will be a turning point. This will bring Europe and Central Asia closer than ever,” noted Ursula von der Leyen.
Second – critical raw materials.
Central Asia holds 40% of the world’s manganese reserves, as well as significant resources of lithium and graphite.
“But they are also of interest to global players, many of whom are only interested in extraction and export. Europe’s offer is different,” stated the President of the European Commission.
“We want to be your partners in developing local processing industries. The added value must remain locally,” she declared.
European companies have invested €1.6 billion in a copper mine in the city of Almalyk, Uzbekistan, engaging not only in extraction but also in on-site ore processing – this creates jobs and added value.
“But we can do much more – build local production facilities along the entire value chain, from extraction to processing, opening laboratories, and training personnel. This is a partnership for years to come, in the interests of our peoples and future generations,” she emphasized.
Memorandums of cooperation have already been signed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A Joint Declaration of Intent was also adopted today.
“The strategic autonomy of Central Asia in the sphere of raw materials is a strategic interest for Europe,” noted Ursula von der Leyen.
Third – green energy.
This concerns the development of wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy in the region. The EU is participating in the construction of the Rogun HPP in Tajikistan and the Kambarata HPP in Kyrgyzstan, which should transform the region into a clean energy hub.
Fourth – digital connectivity and satellite internet.
The EU announced the launch of a satellite program to connect remote areas.
This year, 2,000 schools and hundreds of villages in Kazakhstan will be connected, and in the coming years – 1,700 settlements across the entire region.
“Central Asia may be landlocked, but it certainly does not lack access to space. Space can be your new gateway to the world,” noted the President of the European Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of the Global Gateway investment package totaling €12 billion. The sum will be distributed among four areas: transport (€3 billion), critical minerals (€2.5 billion), hydropower and climate (€6.4 billion), and satellite internet (€100 million).
The package will combine investments from the EU and its member states. “We call this the ‘Team Europe’ approach. This package will open up a new pool of projects for Central Asia. This is truly a new beginning in the ancient history of our friendship,” she said.
The President of the European Commission also announced the launch of a strategic partnership between the European Union and Central Asia.
“It demonstrates: the EU can be relied upon. Through joint efforts, we can develop closer relations that will benefit both regions, strengthening them through new connections, friendship, and trade networks,” she noted.
It is expected that forums planned for the second half of the year will serve as platforms for assessing progress achieved and developing new formats for interaction.
“The best is yet to come,” stated Ursula von der Leyen.
Furthermore, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends to develop a package of projects worth approximately €7-8 billion by 2027, covering areas such as critical minerals and renewable energy.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to sign four memorandums of understanding with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan and allocate €365 million for sustainable transport, water management, and climate change resilience.
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