On April 3-4 this year, the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit will take place in the city of Samarkand.

A correspondent from the Uzbekistan National News Agency interviewed Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, regarding the significance of this summit and the expected outcomes. 

– Honorable President von der Leyen, the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit will be held on April 4 in Samarkand. What is its significance for both sides and how do you see future cooperation evolving? What strategic directions has the EU outlined to strengthen these relations?

– This summit marks a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations. Fittingly, it takes place just after Nowruz. The perfect symbol of new beginnings. So together with President Costa, we come to Samarkand ready to renew and elevate the unique partnership between Europe and Central Asia.

Our ties run deep. For centuries, the Silk Road linked Europe and Central Asia. Not just through trade but also through the exchange of ideas, culture, and innovation. Today, we build on that legacy. We transform these ancient connections into a modern, forward-looking partnership.

Because in these uncertain times, Europe stands, more than ever, for openness and engagement. And for Europe, Central Asia is a partner of choice.

At the summit, we will define our shared vision and priorities for the future of our partnership. This means deeper trade and investment ties, expanded cooperation on clean energy, critical raw materials, and more. 

Concrete steps are already underway. We are reinforcing our economic ties and moving forward with a new Strategic Partnership, which we will launch tomorrow at the summit.

– What specific projects, agreements, and initiatives will result from the summit?

– Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy, will be at the core of our discussions. Because when our partners grow, we all benefit. At the Summit, I will announce a new Team Europe Global Gateway Investment Package for Central Asia.

This important package will focus on four priority areas: transport, critical raw materials, digital networks, and water and energy.

In terms of transport connectivity, we are already making good progress. After a successful Investors Forum in 2024, the EU and international partners pledged 10 billion euros for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. We will now prepare a second Investors Forum, held alongside the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Uzbekistan later this year, to take stock of the progress made.

We will also enhance our cooperation on critical raw materials with concrete investments. Also in this area, we want to be your partners in developing local industries, creating good jobs, right here in Central Asia.

– What are the key areas of EU-Central Asia cooperation, and what new initiatives will strengthen these ties?

– We have a broad and vibrant cooperation. It spans trade, connectivity, energy, water security, climate resilience, digitalisation and even education. I am proud of the fact that 10,000 people – students and workers – took part in exchanges between Europe and Central Asia over the past 10 years under our emblematic Erasmus programme.

Green and digital transitions are now increasingly at the forefront of our partnership. Central Asia has immense potential in critical raw materials, which are key to power clean technologies. Europe is never looking to just extract and export; we are here to build strong industries. We invest in full value chains, from exploration to recycling, creating good jobs locally and ensuring high environmental and social standards in line with our own.

Security is another priority. The EU and Central Asia will deepen counterterrorism cooperation and establish a dedicated dialogue on security challenges.

– The EU prioritizes climate action. What programs will enhance environmental cooperation and the green economy in Central Asia?

– I am pleased to participate in the opening of the Climate Forum and I want to congratulate Uzbekistan on this event. 

Central Asia can become a clean energy powerhouse. This will both reduce dependence on energy imports and unlock its vast renewable potential. Uzbekistan’s commitment to the Global Pledge on renewables and energy efficiency by 2030 proves this vision.

The EU is committed to supporting this transition through its Global Gateway Investment Strategy. As part of the new investment package, I will announce a major boost to the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy, and Climate Change and more investments in green projects.

– How will the EU’s migration policy reforms affect Central Asian citizens?

– Under our new Pact for Migration and Asylum, we are putting a stronger emphasis on cooperation with international partners to address migration challenges. 

We are working with our international partners to fight all forms of smuggling, including migrant smuggling, which is the main driver of illegal migration and claims thousands of lives every year. At the same time, we are encouraging legal pathways for skilled workers to the EU.

Migration is a global challenge. Europe and Central Asian partners are facing similar challenges. This is what makes our cooperation mutually beneficial.

– Samarkand is rich in history. If given the chance to explore, how would you experience its cultural heritage?

– President Costa and I will have the opportunity to tour the Ulug'bek Observatory, the Amir Temur Mausoleum, and the Registan Square – and I’m very much looking forward! These are timeless symbols of Uzbekistan’s heritage. This ancient city, which has been at the crossroads of civilisations for so long, is a fitting venue for the first EU-Central Asia Summit. So I can’t wait to discover beautiful Samarkand.

Interviewed by Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA