EU allocates 12 billion euros for cooperation with Central Asia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Uzbekistan plays an important role in bringing Central Asian countries closer together and strengthening regional cooperation. She said that the European Union intends to further expand cooperation with Uzbekistan in the areas of transport, energy, critical raw materials, digitalization, and education.
EU allocates 12 billion euros for cooperation with Central Asia
In an interview with Dunyo news agency on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her views on the country's reforms, relations with the European Union and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
She noted that large-scale changes in Uzbekistan have accelerated, especially after 2016. The country has opened up to the world in terms of economic and international partnerships, and relations with neighboring countries and foreign partners have been strengthened.
Von der Leyen highlighted Uzbekistan's role in bringing Central Asian countries closer together. In her opinion, the revival of regional cooperation on a new basis has been one of the most important changes in recent years. The European Union recognizes and supports these processes.
"We highly appreciate Uzbekistan's role in strengthening regional cooperation within Central Asia. Significant progress has been made in this regard in recent years," said the President of the European Commission.
He noted that issues such as water and energy resource management, transport and digital connectivity, climate change, border demarcation, security and economic development require regional cooperation.
Von der Leyen also recalled that the first Central Asia-EU summit in Samarkand had established a strategic partnership between the parties. According to her, 12 billion euros have been allocated under the EU's Global Gateway initiative for cooperation in areas such as transport, critical raw materials, water, energy, climate and security.
The Head of the European Commission also touched upon economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In October 2025, during the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Brussels, the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed. The document creates new opportunities in areas such as political dialogue, trade and investment, sustainable development, research and innovation, education and the environment. The European Union also supports Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization.
In the transport sector, special attention is being paid to the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Von der Leyen said that Uzbekistan will play a key role in the development of this route connecting Central Asia with Europe. In 2024, a commitment was made at the EU-Central Asia Transport Investors Forum to attract €10 billion for the development of the corridor, and by the end of 2025, about €2.5 billion of this amount had been allocated to specific projects.