European Union and Central Asia: Strategy for a New Partnership.

Suray CHARIYEVAInstituto Politécnico de Bragança,2012

Central Asia has a centuries-old tradition of

bringing Europe and Asia together. It lies at a strategically important intersection between the two continents. The Central Asian States are: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The EU will foster regional cooperation among Central Asian States and between Central Asian States and other regions.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the time has come for a new partnership between the EU and Central Asian States in a globalised world.

• Establish a regular regional political dialogue at Foreign

Minister level; • Start an “European Education Initiative” and support

Central Asian countries in the development of an “e-silk-highway”;

• Establish a regular, result-oriented “Human Rights Dialogue” with each of the Central Asian States.

The EU will within the framework of this Strategy:

The EU is prepared to enter into an open and constructive dialogue with regional organizations in Central Asia and to establish regular ad hoc contacts i.a. with EURASEC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), CICA, CSTO, CAREC and CARICC.

A strengthened EU approach: Human rights, rule of law, good governance and

democratization. Investing in the future: youth and education. Promotion of economic development, trade and

investment. Environmental sustainability and water. Combating common threats and challenges.

Closely linking the focus of EU regional

cooperation with Central Asia with that of the ENPI regional programs will enable Central Asian countries to benefit effectively from the relevant inter-state energy, transport, environment and education initiatives and strengthened programs set up under the ENPI East, facilitating their anchoring to Eastern Europe and access to global markets.

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