We are currently witnessing a trend towards the growing role of Central Asia in global politics and the world economy. At the first-ever summit between the EU and Central Asian states, held on April 4, 2025, in Samarkand, the European Union signaled its readiness to support the countries of the region in promoting reforms, developing their economies, and increasing their international competitiveness. This is in line with the interests of Uzbekistan, which is implementing a large-scale program to modernize and strengthen regional cooperation.
The declaration adopted at the Samarkand summit laid the foundation for further deepening cooperation. It laid down clear guidelines, which are now being put into practice through high-level official visits and the conclusion of new agreements between Uzbekistan and the European Union, as was particularly evident during the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on October 24, 2025, in Brussels.
The signing of the new agreement opens a new page in strengthening mutual trust and developing long-term cooperation, as it opens up opportunities not only for expanding political dialogue and economic cooperation, but also for intensifying Uzbekistan’s international cooperation with the EU in the areas of security, sustainable development, and innovative transformation.
It should be noted that the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is based on a commitment to the fundamental norms of international law. In particular, it reaffirms mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states, as well as the willingness to build partnerships in accordance with the goals and principles of the United Nations.
This approach reinforces international legal guarantees and increases the predictability of political interaction. Strengthening dialogue based on the principles of equality and respect for sovereignty dominates the foreign policy agenda of Uzbekistan in the new era and enjoys broad support in the international community.
Important attention is paid to expanding conditions for trade and investment. Uzbekistan has successfully completed negotiations with the European Union on access to goods and services markets as part of the process of joining the World Trade Organization. Support from the European Union contributes to the country’s further integration into international economic chains and creates the conditions for increasing the competitiveness of the economy.
Cooperation in the areas of critical raw materials, energy efficiency, and the development of modern production capacities is of particular importance. This is in line with the country’s strategic objectives of diversifying the economy and attracting high-tech investments.
We would also like to note the public willingness of the parties to intensify digital transformation projects and promote the development of sustainable transport infrastructure. The partnership within the Global Gateway initiative opens up opportunities to expand Uzbekistan’s transit potential, strengthen its role as a link between Europe and Asia, and increase the importance of the Trans-Caspian route in international logistics.
Contemporary security challenges are becoming increasingly transnational in nature. In this regard, the parties agreed to expand cooperation on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, illegal migration, and hybrid threats. The success of such cooperation largely determines the sustainability of development in the entire Central Asian region.
The environmental dimension is becoming one of the fundamental elements of the bilateral agenda. The European Union welcomes Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve the environmental situation and ensure the rational use of natural resources. Support for projects to restore the Aral ecosystem and water and energy cooperation strengthens international solidarity in addressing global climate challenges.
Particular attention is paid to strengthening public exchanges, youth interaction, expanding academic contacts, and promoting cultural dialogue. This forms a sustainable humanitarian basis for strategic partnership. The participation of civil society contributes to strengthening trust, better understanding of values and traditions, and the development of various forms of international cooperation.
Thus, it can be noted that the signed document establishes a new level of interaction between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the European Union. The development of cooperation with the EU confirms that Uzbekistan is confidently pursuing a course of openness to the world and expansion of its foreign policy horizons. This continues and strengthens the foundation for long-term integration into the global economy, modernization of public administration, and the introduction of innovative standards of sustainable development.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
