Von der Leyen reveals strategic goals ahead of Central Asia-EU Summit

The upcoming “Central Asia – European Union” summit, scheduled for April 3–4 in Samarkand, will center around the EU's investment strategy, “Global Gateway.” This was revealed in an interview with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to UzA.

“‘Global Gateway’ is at the heart of the discussions because we all benefit from cooperation.

At the summit, I will announce the investment package for Central Asia under the ‘Team Europe’ initiative. This significant document focuses on four main areas: transport, critical raw materials, digital networks, and the development of water and energy transport connectivity. We are already achieving great results in these sectors,” said von der Leyen.

She highlighted that at the 2024 Investor Forum, the EU and international partners pledged €10 billion for transport corridors via the Caspian Sea. This year, alongside the Central Asia-EU Economic Forum, the second Investor Forum will assess milestones achieved.

The EU aims to expand cooperation on critical raw materials and attract specific investments in Central Asia. This approach focuses on developing local industries, creating new jobs, and fostering economic growth in the region.

Von der Leyen emphasized the broad and active partnership between Central Asia and Europe in areas such as trade, transport connectivity, energy, water security, climate adaptation, digitalization, and education. Over the last decade, the “Erasmus+” program has enabled 10,000 students and professionals to participate in exchanges between Europe and Central Asia.

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Mirziyoyev outlines expectations for the summit in Samarkand

“Now, green and digital transitions are at the center of our partnership. Central Asia holds immense potential and essential raw materials for clean technologies. Europe aims not only to utilize these resources but also to establish a full value chain, from extraction to processing and recycling. This will ensure the creation of local jobs and uphold high ecological and social standards,” said the European Commission President.

She also noted that security remains a priority. The EU plans to deepen cooperation with Central Asia in combating terrorism and establish special dialogue platforms on security issues.

Furthermore, von der Leyen stressed the importance of strengthening international collaboration under the new “Migration and Asylum Pact.”

“To address migration challenges, we are working together to combat all illegal activities, including the unauthorized transportation of migrants. Such activities are a major cause of illegal migration, claiming thousands of lives annually. At the same time, we are promoting legal pathways for skilled professionals to access the EU. Migration is a global issue. Both Europe and Central Asia face similar challenges, making joint efforts mutually beneficial,” she stated.

Von der Leyen, alongside European Council President António Costa, is also set to visit Uzbekistan’s iconic cultural heritage sites, including the Ulugh Beg Observatory, Amir Temur’s Mausoleum, and Registan Square.

The first summit between the European Union and Central Asia will be held on April 3–4 in Samarkand, chaired by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are expected to attend. Additionally, the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center will host the inaugural Samarkand Climate Forum on April 4–5. The forum will include leaders from Central Asia and representatives from the EU, the UN, international financial institutions, and leading environmental organizations.

It was previously reported that on April 2, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had arrived in Samarkand for the summit.