The first summit between the European Union (EU) and Central Asian countries at the leaders’ level took place on April 4, 2025. At this summit held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the EU declared a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The summit was held against the backdrop of global tensions caused by the announcement of trade tariffs by the President of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump. This summit stands out as an important diplomatic move to create new areas of cooperation in the current international environment where global power competition is sharpening.
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and China’s economic expansion strategies have made the EU’s goal of strategic autonomy an urgent priority, while security of energy supply, access to critical raw materials and diversification of transport infrastructure have become key agenda items.[i] Through sustainable partnerships with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the EU aims not only to diversify its supply chains but also to maintain its normative influence in a multipolar international order.
The participation of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, at the summit signaled Brussels’ growing interest in the region. Von der Leyen stated that the region has the potential for deep cooperation with the EU in sectors such as energy, tourism, trade and transport, and announced a new investment package of 12 billion euros.[ii] The package includes projects in transport, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water and energy. The EU also aims to work more closely with the region and develop local industries, especially in strategic minerals such as lithium, manganese, chromium and titanium, which are dominated by China.
At the centre of the summit was the idea of reducing economic dependence on Russia and China. Although the EU has taken various steps to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels in the post-war period, the import of liquefied natural gas and oil through pipelines are still controversial issues within the bloc.[iii] This situation pushes the EU to search for alternative sources that will reduce external dependence not only in the field of energy but also in strategic raw materials such as rare earth elements. China’s dominance in this field has caused the EU to turn its eyes to Central Asia, and the memorandums of understanding signed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have been concrete indicators of this strategic orientation.
The EU’s priority is not a direct geopolitical challenge, but the creation of alternatives that will enable competition in specific sectors. In this framework, it is aimed to create a holistic value chain that supports the development of local industry in Central Asia, rather than a model based solely on raw material exports. Cooperation opportunities in sectors such as textile, chemistry and construction materials are also evaluated in this context.
However, logistical inadequacies and lack of transport links in countries such as Tajikistan make it difficult for these countries to integrate with Europe and make Russia and China practical partners. At this point, the importance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor increases. The EU’s commitment to invest €10 billion in this corridor under the Global Gateway Initiative reflects a strong will to strengthen regional connectivity.[iv]
Topics such as multilateralism, regional security, clean energy and community interaction were also on the summit agenda. The EU officials’ adoption of a non-confrontational and dialogue-based tone reflects the Union’s efforts to balance normative values and strategic interests in its foreign policy. However, securing the EU’s long-term interests depends not only on infrastructure and energy projects but also on supporting the political development of the countries in the region.
The region’s strategic mineral resources and energy potential play a decisive role in the EU’s growing interest in Central Asia. In particular, the newly discovered reserves of rare earth elements in Kazakhstan and minerals such as uranium, lithium, titanium and cobalt, which are critical for the EU’s green transition and nuclear energy objectives, make Brussels’ economic partnership with the region more attractive. [v]
In addition, the indirect circumvention of the sanctions imposed on Russia through the countries in the region creates a security-oriented sensitivity for the EU and creates the necessity to deepen cooperation in this area as well. While the EU demands the establishment of more stringent mechanisms to prevent sanctions from being circumvented, the limited progress made by the regional states in this regard has become an important variable for the future of relations.
In conclusion, the first summit between the EU and Central Asian countries is an important step that concretizes Brussels’ strategic orientation towards the region at a time when the global balance of power is being reshaped. The EU’s multidimensional partnership with Central Asia in line with its objectives of energy supply security, diversification of supply chains and maintaining its normative influence offers new opportunities for regional stability and development. However, the sustainability of these relations will be shaped not only by economic and geopolitical interests but also by the process of harmonization with EU norms. The EU’s ability to secure its strategic interests without relegating normative values to the background will be one of the key factors that will determine its long-term impact. Therefore, adopting a foreign policy approach in line with principles is as important as deepening cooperation.
[i] Bojan Brkić, “Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand marks historic regional unity”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/04/central-asia-eu-summit-in-samarkand-marks-historic-regional-unity, (Date Accessed: 05.04.2025).
[ii] Sertac Aktan & Alice Tidey, “EU seals new Central Asia partnership deal as debut Samarkand summit ends”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/04/eu-seals-new-central-asia-partnership-deal-as-debut-samarkand-summit-ends, (Date Accessed: 05.04.2025).
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Jennifer Rankin, “EU urged to put human rights centre stage at first central Asia summit”, The Guardian,https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/04/eu-urged-to-put-human-rights-centre-stage-at-first-central-asia-summit, (Date Accessed: 05.04.2025).
[v] “EU leaders push for influence at Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan”, France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250404-eu-central-asia-uzbekistan, (Date Accessed: 05.04.2025).
