The European Union is meeting this week with five Central Asian nations. This first-ever summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan marks the culmination of years of strategic planning by Brussels.
Yet beneath the diplomatic niceties lies something more ambitious – Europe carving out its own geopolitical identity.
Brussels Charts New Course in Heart of Eurasia
As EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa arrive in Uzbekistan, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The EU seeks to secure energy partnerships and critical raw materials from the resource-rich region.
"President Costa has been clear from the beginning of his mandate that in this multipolar world, the EU needs to reconnect with global partners," an EU official told reporters.
The timing speaks volumes.
With Donald Trump back in the White House since January, the EU finds itself at a crossroads.
American disengagement from the region continues as Trump’s administration slashes USAID funding and development programming.
Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan: Region Ready for Change
Central Asian nations themselves welcome this European attention.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the summit a "historic chance" for the region, noting trade between Central Asia and the EU has quadrupled to €54 billion.
"Where the current world order is being shaken with these great tectonic shifts in geopolitics, we need reliable partners," Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov explained.
The region itself shows growing unity.
Just days ago, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed the Khujand Declaration, resolving border disputes that plagued them for decades.
New Strategy Balances Regional Powers
The EU’s engagement comes as both Russia and China maintain sizable influence.
Moscow uses cultural diplomacy through Rossotrudnichestvo to maintain its historical ties.
Meanwhile, Beijing invests heavily in infrastructure across the region.
Rather than directly challenging these powers, the EU offers alternatives. “It’s not about seriously challenging China and Russia, but offering alternatives in some sectors,” Dr. Stefan Meister from the German Council on Foreign Relations told Euronews.
This balancing act works both ways.
Central Asian countries pursue multi-vector foreign policies to avoid overdependence on any single power.
Green Investments Bridge Political Divide
The summit coincides with the Samarkand Climate Forum, highlighting Europe’s commitment to sustainable development. This strategic alignment of diplomacy with green transition shows Brussels playing the long game.
The EU has already signed memorandums with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on critical raw materials essential for renewable energy technologies.
As an EU official explained, "We want to promote industry locally in the region, helping the development of clean technology."
Strategic Autonomy Drives European Agenda
The meeting comes as Trump’s return to power forces Europe to confront uncomfortable truths.
The EU can no longer count on Washington’s unwavering support for a rules-based international order.
"The EU has to forge ahead with its own strategic interests," says Marie Dumoulin, Director for the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "Brussels can't afford to wait for leadership from Washington."
The EU has pledged €10 billion through its Global Gateway Initiative for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
Though critics call this sum insufficient, it represents Europe stepping up as America steps back.
Challenges Along the Silk Road
Hurdles remain on this new Silk Road.
The EU’s commitment to human rights creates tension with Central Asian governance models. Russian sanctions evasion through the region remains problematic.
Infrastructure poses another challenge. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimates €18.5 billion in investment is needed just for Central Asian transport projects.
"Soft connectivity challenges—such as limited regulatory harmonisation and border inefficiencies—continue to hinder transit efficiency," Aruzhan Meirkhanova from Kazakhstan's National Analytical Centre notes.
Europe Finds Its Voice Beyond American Shadow
The summit represents more than economic opportunity.
It showcases an EU willing to make independent geopolitical moves without American leadership.
The Global Gateway initiative contrasts with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and America’s retreat.
As recommended by think tank 'Global Europe', the EU builds "on its own strengths and competitive advantages."
Where Trump sees transactional deals, Brussels envisions connectivity and mutual development. While Washington cuts aid, the EU doubles down on investment.
The EU now walks a tightrope between pragmatism and values. Von der Leyen’s Commission shows a more interest-oriented approach to human rights concerns than previous administrations.
Multilateralism Takes Centre Stage
As Trump’s America focuses inward, the EU champions multilateralism.
This summit reflects Brussels’ belief that global challenges require collective solutions.
The European External Action Service describes this approach as “a renewed multilateralism fit for the 21st century.”
In practice, this means engaging partners like Central Asia on equal terms.
“Political will, trust, and stronger stakeholder coordination will be key,” Meirkhanova argues.
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