The European Union and the five Central Asia countries further deepened their mutual-beneficial partnership, mobilising investments under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in the areas of digital connectivity, transport, critical raw materials, and the water, energy and climate sector. Several new agreements were signed in these fields during the visit of the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan between 12 and 18 March. The visit, held ahead of the first EU-Central Asia Summit, focused on boosting sustainable economic growth and resilience, job creation and improving essential services – from education to modern infrastructure.
Commissioner Síkela stated:
“Central Asia and the European Union are solid partners, and our cooperation is growing. But I see even greater potential to unlock. Together, we can deliver long-term benefits for people and businesses on both sides. That’s exactly what I focused on during my mission. I witnessed strong involvement from European companies — and the potential to strengthen this even further. I promoted Global Gateway projects designed to create jobs, unlock business opportunities, expand access to secure high-speed internet, clean energy, and essential services, while boosting trade between Central Asia and Europe. These efforts will strengthen Europe’s economic security, diversify supply chains, and contribute to sustainable prosperity and stability in both regions.”
Boosting transport links and trade
One of the focus areas of the visit was the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a Global Gateway flagship in Central Asia. This project will reduce travel times and boost trade between Central Asia and Europe.
Commissioner Síkela and the Kazakh government witnessed the signature of a €200 million framework loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. This loan is backed by an EU guarantee of €18 million and aims to mobilise investments in sustainable transport and renewable energy.
In Turkmenistan, the Commissioner visited the Turkmenbashi Port, a strategic point for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and a vital trade hub, where he reaffirmed the EU’s interest in supporting infrastructure modernisation and alignment of standards and legislation.
Collaboration on critical raw materials
In Kazakhstan, the Commissioner witnessed the signing ceremony of a €3 million contract to boost cooperation between the EU and Central Asia in the critical raw materials (CRM) area. The agreement, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will facilitate the identification of joint projects and promote international best practices for sustainable and responsible supply chains in the CRM sector, supporting new jobs and economic resilience. The Commissioner also visited the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex in Uzbekistan, a major industrial site to assess opportunities for sustainable resource development and responsible investment in critical raw materials.
Supporting the water, energy & climate sector
Energy security and sustainability were at the heart of the EU’s agreements, promoting the construction of resilient infrastructure and access to reliable, affordable and clean energy.
Key agreements signed include:
- A €20 million grant to modernise Tajikistan’s electricity grid, promote energy efficiency and prepare for future renewable energy projects complementing an EBRD loan of €30.15 million to the Government of Tajikistan.
- A €15 million grant to support the implementation of water-efficient technologies and innovative solutions to boost agricultural productivity in Kyrgyzstan, complementing a €42 million loan and a €6 million grant from the EBRD.
- A € 16.6 million grant to support the green Transition through the Cotton Value Chain in Tajikistan, complemented by a €1.5 million grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
The Commissioner also visited the Rogun Hydropower Plant, a vital project in Tajikistan’s energy infrastructure with great potential to further enhance energy security.
Expanding digital connectivity and innovation
As part of the “Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia,” Commissioner Síkela witnessed the signature of agreements for two strategic EU-funded projects:
- The “Connectivity for Central Asia (C4CA) Project” signed with Expertise France and a consortium of EU Member States, aimed at improving digital infrastructure and integration across the region. It aims to address the growing need for digital solutions that can better connect Central Asian countries, fostering greater collaboration and economic exchange.
- The “Satellite Connectivity for Underserved Populations of Central Asia” signed with the EIB, aimed at providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities, so that they can benefit from digital opportunities that are increasingly vital for education, healthcare, and economic development.
These projects will bridge the digital divide, support economic growth, cybersecurity and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the region.
A further agreement with the UN was signed to empower youth, promote gender equality, and strengthen human rights institutions in Kyrgyzstan.
These agreements complement ongoing programmes in Central Asia. The EU’s overall cooperation with Central Asia amounts to €567 million for the period 2021-2027.
The visit was conducted in a Team Europe spirit: EU financing institutions, the European Investment Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the EU private sector and Member States present in the region took part in different parts of the mission. The visit laid the groundwork for the upcoming first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit early April as well as the Global Gateway Forum in June.
Background
Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
