In the article, the author writes that Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Brussels on October 23–24, 2025, was a turning point in relations between Uzbekistan and the EU thanks to the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). According to him, the document replaced the outdated 1996 PCA and will elevate the dialogue to the level of a strategic partnership covering five key areas with an emphasis on democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights. The author emphasizes that for the EU, this is a window into the rapidly growing market of Central Asia and a platform for “green” transformation and critical resources, while for Uzbekistan, it is a deepening of integration with Europe, expanded access to markets under GSP+, and accelerated modernization of the energy, the digital sector, and the agro-industrial complex.
The author then outlines the preparatory diplomacy for the visit: intensive contacts between Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva with European leaders and institutions (Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Belgium), discussions on digitalisation, logistics and the green agenda, as well as practical projects in Belgium, including EU-AGRIN (drip irrigation using solar systems, climate-resistant seeds, irrigation modernisation and wastewater treatment). In his view, the humanitarian track strengthens the country’s cultural presence in Europe and complements the economic agenda.
Finally, the author backs up his argument with statistics and expert opinions: growth in bilateral trade and investment, an active EBRD portfolio, high use of GSP+, GDP dynamics, structural shifts in industry and services, and poverty reduction. The author concludes that the EPCA institutionalises Tashkent’s multi-vector course: this is not a “U-turn” but a well-thought-out diversification of ties that strengthens sovereignty and consolidates Uzbekistan’s role as a bridge in the new Eurasian architecture 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.
