Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, recently embarked on a ten-day visiting trip to Central Asian countries, collaborating closely with five key destinations: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Uzbekistan, hosted further by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in a dedicated presence room. The visit was meticulously planned, leveraging opportunities to strengthen regional and European partnerships, with a primary focus on the €300 billion Global Gateway investment strategy. Through this initiative, the goal is toLP mobilize a global audience for Central Asia, terrorism-free, while contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of the region.
The trip began in Turkmenistan, where the focus was on expanding connectivity for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which bridges Europe and Central Asia. Key discussions highlighted the uncharted potential of Central Asia’s infrastructure, landlocked nations dealing with regional challenges such as partial sanctions and proximity to powerful external powers. The EU committed to supporting Central Asian nations under the framework of the EU Charter of Law, underscoring their enduring role as a key partner in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
In Kazakhstan, Síkela welcoming the Central and European Investment Bank (CEIB) to它的启动，项目涉及grand planThursday and two significant agreements, including a €200 million loan agreement with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan to finance sustainable and green projects. The discussions centered on critical raw materials and the EU’s engagement in driving the green and digital transformation of the region. Grappling with the need for global energy security in aelemscent world, a comprehensive platform addressing both renewable energy development and the transition to a more resilient energy system was mediated by a private lifecycle pilot project with partners including the EBRD in Tajikistan and thekish authorities.
In Tajikistan, Síkela kicked off a session with the EU and the Ministry of Speech as part of the EBRD’s energy transition. Within the framework of a multi-franctions cooperation framework, the Central and European countries shared knowledge and best practices, aligning on the investment needed for the European Green and Digital Transition and the EU’s value in developing accessible and environmentally friendly energy technologies.
Tajikistan’s agreement with EBRD此案 contributes significantly to capacity building in Tajikistan, while EBRD also provided €42 million to Kyrgyzstan to support the Resilient Water Resources Programme, enhancing water management and infrastructure development. In Uzbekistan, Síkela’s efforts centered on digital infrastructure, supported by a €34.4 million Direct MarktoEUI loan and a €25.35 million loan to SES, a Europe-based satellite company, to expand broadband internet access across multiple regions. This initiative aims to open doors for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, facilitating digital mobility and global connectivity.
Síkela also emphasized the global necessity of addressing security threats, such as Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the US’s shifting policies, within the EU-Central Asian Summit, set for early April. The agenda includes interregional collaboration, trade and investment opportunities, as well as discussions on global security challenges, with a focus on exploring ways to ensure EU capabilities are expanded in Central Asia. The visit was well-organized, aimed at deepening partnerships and advancing the European.eu in Central Asia, ensuring that the EU remains an active, proactive partner in the region’s dynamic and evolving future.
