BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 21.The next
EU-Central Asia Summit is scheduled for 2027, a source at the
European Commission told Trend.
“The EU regularly engages with Uzbekistan and other Central
Asian countries through both bilateral and regional formats,” the
source said.
According to the EU representative, high-level contacts take
place throughout the year, including meetings of the Cooperation
Council chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs
and Security Policy, as well as thematic sub-committees covering
development, trade, justice and human rights.
“The annual EU–Central Asia Ministerial Meeting serves as a key
forum for advancing regional cooperation. In 2025, the first
EU–Central Asia Summit was held in Samarkand, marking an important
step in elevating relations to a strategic partnership,” the source
added.
The representative added that against this backdrop of
intensified political dialogue, Uzbekistan has emerged as a central
partner in strengthening regional connectivity.
“In 2025, Uzbekistan co-hosted the Trans-Caspian Transport
Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent, bringing
together governments, financial institutions and private investors
to coordinate infrastructure development,” the official said.
The source recalled that several agreements were signed during
the forum to improve trade routes and identify priority investment
projects along the corridor.
“Uzbekistan is directly involved in projects such as the
Beyneu–Saksaulsk Road and the Uchkuduk–Kyzylorda transport link,
which aim to enhance cross-border connectivity and stimulate
economic activity,” the official noted.
Beyond physical infrastructure, cooperation also extends into
digital transformation. The EU is currently working with Uzbekistan
on two major initiatives focused on transport efficiency and
digital connectivity.
“The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is designed to reduce
transit time between Europe and Asia to around 15 days,” the
official explained, adding that the route is expected to streamline
logistics and reinforce regional economic integration. New European
investments were announced in November to accelerate its
development” he said.
He noted that in parallel, the EU is supporting the Satellite
Connectivity for Remote Areas initiative, aimed at expanding
high-speed internet access to underserved communities across
Central Asia.
“This effort is expected to improve access to education,
healthcare and economic opportunities” the official said.
According to the commission, these initiatives form part of the
EU’s broader Global Gateway strategy, which prioritizes sustainable
infrastructure and digital development while strengthening trade
links.
“Through the Team Europe approach, EU institutions, member
states, development banks and private companies coordinate efforts
to maximize tangible impact on the ground,” the official
concluded.
