In a world characterized by shifting geopolitical tensions, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has declared a “new era” in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and Central Asia. The announcement came during a pivotal summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where EU leaders and Central Asian counterparts gathered to solidify a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including energy, raw materials, and political alignment on global security matters, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The EU’s renewed focus on Central Asia comes at a time when new global barriers are emerging, with countries reassessing their alliances and trade strategies. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that “reliable partners have never been more important” in a world where power dynamics are constantly shifting. The EU, she explained, is positioning itself as a dependable ally to the Central Asian region, emphasizing cooperation based on shared values and mutual benefit.
The EU’s efforts in Central Asia are not limited to political ties. The union has also unveiled a significant financial commitment to the region, announcing a €12 billion investment package as part of its “Global Gateway”-Initiative. This investment is intended to support development across several sectors, including transport, raw materials, water, energy, climate change, and digital connectivity. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has already begun allocating funds for some of these projects, ensuring the region’s ongoing development.
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Access to clean energy and critical raw materials is a priority for the EU, as it seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on non-European Powers, particularly China, which dominates the extraction, processing, and recycling of essential raw materials. Among these materials, lithium, vital for renewable energy development, daily goods, and defense systems, plays a crucial role. Central Asia, with its rich mineral deposits, is strategically important to the EU. The region holds substantial shares of global reserves, including 38.6% of manganese, 30.07% of chromium, and 12.6% of zinc, which are vital for the development of green technologies.
Von der Leyen emphasized that while the EU is interested in securing these resources, its approach differs from that of other global players. “Our offer is different,” she said. “We want to be your partners in the development of local industries. The added value must be local.” This message resonates with Central Asian leaders, who are eager to cultivate their own industries and avoid becoming mere extractors of raw materials for foreign powers.
The summit also focused on the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa echoed von der Leyen’s sentiments, stressing the need for the international community to defend and reform the multilateral system to make it more inclusive and effective. Costa also highlighted the growing transnational threats to security, particularly in relation to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, and called for enhanced cooperation across bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Central Asia’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been nuanced, with the five participating countries abstaining from voting on resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While these nations have maintained a neutral stance, they have benefited from the Re-Exportation of Western goods to Russia, umging sanctions. This geopolitical balancing act has raised concerns within the EU about the potenzielle undermining of Western sanctions, and EU officials have emphasized that they will continue to apply pressure on Russia if necessary.
Despite these challenges, the EU sees the ongoing cooperation with Central Asia as invaluable. Costa urged the region to continue its efforts in countering Russia’s actions, with the EU offering its support to maintain stability in the region. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his country’s alignment with the EU’s principles and reaffirmed his support for peaceful negotiations in Ukraine.
The summit also laid the groundwork for future economic collaborations, including the establishment of an investment forum later this year to attract further investment into the region. Key infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which will significantly reduce the time it takes to export goods between Europe and Central Asia while bypassing Russia, were discussed. Additionally, the establishment of a local EBRD office in Uzbekistan was proposed to further enhance economic ties.
The EU and Central Asia have committed to organizing biennial summits to continue strengthening their partnership, ensuring long-term cooperation and mutual growth in various sectors. Through these efforts, the EU aims to secure a strategic foothold in the region, which is rapidly gaining importance in the global geopolitical landscape.
This article is originally published on fr.news.yahoo.
