Mirziyoyev to visit Brussels next week

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Brussels on October 24, 2025. The visit is regarded as an important step that will mark a new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union, Euronews reported.

During the visit, Uzbekistan and the EU are expected to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). This comprehensive document outlines five strategic areas of future cooperation, including:

• political dialogue
• trade and economic relations
• security
• sustainable development
• global partnership

The agreement reaffirms both sides’ commitment to continuing reforms, promoting economic modernization, and strengthening international cooperation. It will also pave the way for initiatives such as the EU–Central Asia Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Tashkent this November.

President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, earlier highlighted the upcoming Brussels meeting in his congratulatory message to Uzbekistan on its Independence Day.

’’I look forward to our meeting in Brussels on October 24, 2025. There, we will continue our exchange of views on the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Uzbekistan,’’ Antonio Costa wrote.

Meanwhile, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen praised Uzbekistan’s significant role in relations with the European Union during the first Central Asia–EU Summit held in Samarkand this April.

She emphasized that under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, a €12 billion investment package has been allocated to support cooperation in trade, transport, strategic raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy sectors.

’’Uzbekistan is one of the central participants of Global Gateway. This marks a new chapter in our long-standing friendship,’’ Ursula von der Leyen said at the Samarkand summit.

The main areas of cooperation under the EPCA (Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement)

The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the European Union and Uzbekistan is expected to elevate relations to a new, modern, and ambitious level. The agreement covers cooperation in new sectors and significantly updates the legal framework governing trade and economic relations.

The main areas of cooperation under the EPCA include:

• Political cooperation and reforms:

Democracy, rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms

Commitment to sustainable development and shared values

• Foreign policy and security:

Regional stability and international cooperation

Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Conflict prevention and crisis management

• Justice, freedom, and security:

Data protection

Migration issues

Counterterrorism and anti–money laundering measures

Combating organized crime and corruption

Fighting illicit drug trafficking

Judicial cooperation and consular protection

• Trade and economic relations:

Favorable legal framework for trade in goods and services

State enterprises and public procurement

Intellectual property rights

Transparent rules for investors

Other key areas of enhanced cooperation:

• Economy and finance
• Energy and transport
• Environment and climate change
• Digital economy
• Agriculture and regional development
• Employment and social affairs
• Culture, education, and youth policy
• Scientific research and innovation

According to the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, this agreement reflects how much both sides have evolved over the past 20 years.

’’For the EU, this is part of our comprehensive strategy for Central Asia. For Uzbekistan, it is a recognition of the path of reforms and openness pursued since 2016. The EPCA elevates our relations to the level of a strategic partnership,’’ the EU Delegation said.

A new stage of strategic partnership

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has emphasized that the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) marks a historic milestone in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

’’It replaces the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and reflects the tremendous political, economic, and institutional progress our country has achieved since then,’’ the ministry stated.

According to the Foreign Ministry, ’’this new agreement establishes a modern and comprehensive legal framework for political dialogue, trade, and sectoral cooperation. It fully aligns with our ongoing reforms and efforts to build an open, transparent, and rules-based economy.”

What EPCA Means for the European Union?

• Access to a rapidly growing market in the heart of Central Asia
• A reliable partner in the energy transition
• A strategic bridge connecting Europe and Asia through sustainable transport corridors and critical raw materials

What EPCA Brings to Uzbekistan?

• Opens the door to deeper economic integration with Europe
• Expands access to EU markets under the GSP+ status
• Supports modernization and technical assistance in energy, digitalization, agriculture, and the green economy

The agreement also broadens cooperation in key areas such as:

• Combating climate change
• Managing security and migration
• Protecting the environment

These are shared challenges that can only be addressed through joint action and partnership.

’’Overall, the EPCA strengthens Uzbekistan’s position on the international stage and reaffirms our commitment to act as a constructive and reliable partner. It elevates our relations with the European Union to a strategic level and fully aligns with our long-term vision of building a modern, open, and sustainable economy,’’ the ministry noted.

Growing momentum in EU–Central Asia relations

In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan, the broader Central Asian region, and the European Union have significantly intensified. Over the past seven years, the region’s total trade turnover with the EU has multiplied, reaching €54 billion. In 2024 alone, trade between Uzbekistan and EU member states amounted to €6.4 billion, marking an 8% increase.

Currently, more than 1,000 joint ventures are operating in Uzbekistan with European partners, while the portfolio of European investment projects in the country is valued at nearly €40 billion.

This partnership is being strengthened through effective platforms such as regular ministerial meetings, forums, and summits, establishing structured dialogue across almost all areas of cooperation.

Recalling his earlier visit to Uzbekistan, Antonio Costa noted:

’’Our partnership has undoubtedly reached a new level, under your leadership, effective and multifaceted relations are developing in all spheres. I still cherish warm memories of our meeting during the first EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand and the hospitality shown by the Uzbek people.’’

During the first EU–Central Asia summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025, the parties adopted a Joint Declaration defining a new framework for strategic partnership between the two regions. Additionally, a Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Critical Raw Materials was signed, underlining the growing importance of energy transition and supply chain security.