Central Asia is the key part of Economic Integration in Europe-Asia, says Ambassador Simkić

Astana – the European Union and the countries of Central Asia are trying to strengthen the partnership through political, economic and security cooperation. As the 20th Asian Ministerial Meeting in Asia in Ashgabat, the EU ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleška Simkić spoke about the EU’s strategic vision, investments and future collaboration plans with the region in an interview with Astrana Times.

Why are the EU and Central Asia interested in strengthening cooperation?

The EU and Central Asia share a commitment to work together for peace, prosperity, stability and security.

The EU and Central Asia share many mutual strategic interests and priorities, such as consolidating cooperation in sustainable connectivity, trade and investments, ecological and digital transition, critical raw materials, water resources, renewable energy and climate and environmental problems, education and people in humans.

The EU and Central Asia also have a common interest in strengthening security cooperation, including the fight against organized crime, terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. Other security issues include border traffic and security, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, weapon trafficking and transnational drug trade.

What will be the main topics discussed at the ministerial meeting?

The ministerial meeting of March 4, chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, will bring together Kazakstan Foreign Ministers, Republic of Kârzz, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Kaja Kallas and Foreign Ministers of Central Asia will discuss the progress made in the implementation of the five key fields of the common roadmap for deepening the EU and Central Asia:

1. Deepening interreregional political dialogue and cooperation
2. Improve economic ties, trade and investment
3. Cooperation in the fields of energy, climatic neutral economy and connectivity
4. Strengthening contacts in people
5. Mobility

Also, the common security challenges will be discussed, from the fight against violent extremism and radicalization to traffic and border security. Cyber ​​threats, including computer crime and misinformation, will also be on the agenda.

The situation in Afghanistan will also be an objective, especially its humanitarian and human rights, as well as the potential security risks for the wider region.

The EU remains actively employed with Central Asia partners to address these challenges and increase regional stability.

How can a consolidated cooperation with the EU benefit to benefit Central Asia?

The EU, as a trusted and predictable partner, is employed with high standards, transparency and long -term long -term growth, which benefit both regions. The EU is committed to creating a favorable business and investment climate in Central Asia, supporting job creation and skills development.

The EU strategy for Central Asia (2019) and the common roadmap (2023) established a vision for a deeper and longer involvement. The global EU gateway strategy is committed to providing high quality sustainable projects such as connectivity, digitalization and ecological transition, ensuring Central Asia is a key part of Economic Integration in Europe-Asia.

What are the main digits of EU cooperation with Central Asia countries?

Powerhouse Trade & Investment: The EU represents a quarter of Central Asia trade and has offered 40% of the total FDI in the last decade.

EU financial commitments to Central Asia (2021-2027): 550 million euros in development for development for infrastructure, energy, climate, water management and education.

Through the global regional emblematic initiatives of the EU Gateway, the EU supports the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor by providing 88.4 million euros in regional programs.

The Team Europe initiative on digital connectivity brings 80 million euros in financing (55 million euros from the EU) to improve telecommunications, cyber security and digital governance in the region.

The Team Europe initiative on water, energy and climate change invests 700 million euros (200 million euros in the EU) to support sustainable water management and renewable energy projects in Central Asia.

The EU allocated 16 million euros to strengthen the extension and processing of sustainable critical materials. A 30 million euro investment guarantee under EFSD+ will unlock new funds for renewable energy and critical projects of raw materials.

The EU is investing in education, developing skills and creating jobs to help young Central Asia access better career opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

The Darya program (10 million euros) focuses on developing inclusive skills and improving education, vocational training and central Asian work systems. Erasmus+ (73 million euros for Central Asia) supports student and personal exchanges between EU and Central Asia.

EU sanctions against Russia have a negative impact on EU-Central Asian relationships?

The EU is determined to maximize the impact of its sanctions on Russia to weaken its ability to save its war of brutal and illegal aggression.

Cooperation with Central Asia countries on combating the circumcision of sanctions remains an important aspect of our general positive relationship. Malignant actors do not hesitate to use any jurisdiction to carry out their illicit activities.

The EU and its Central Asia partners work closely to identify, control and stop the re -export of articles sanctioned to Russia. The EU will continue to monitor the situation and encourage all national authorities to continue, and when it is relevant to rise, their cooperation with the EU sanctions.

The first Asia-Central European Union summit will take place in Samarkand on April 4. Why is it important and what can be expected?

The Asia Summit in the EU Central in Samarkand, on April 4, marks a historical stage in the relations between the two regions. It is a clear political signal of the commitment of both parties to deepen cooperation at the highest strategic level.

Leaders will examine the progress on key initiatives within the EU strategy for Central Asia and the common roadmap to deepen the Central Central Center. Discussions will focus on next steps for Trade, security, connectivity and cooperation of ecological energy, establishing priorities for the future of Recentral-Central relations.

The summit reflects the significant progress made from the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991 and highlights the common determination to combat together the common geopolitical challenges.