Central Asia emerging from the shadows
European Union – Central Asia relations in evolving Eurasian geopolitics
- Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there has been an increased interest in the countries of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- The relations between these countries have much improved, yet challenges remain, in particular related to water, energy, and food security.
- In Central Asia, Russia is a systemic factor and China has also taken on a leadership role. Many other countries are interested in working with Central Asia as well; especially the EU can play a bigger role.
- The EU could engage in the areas of energy security and transition, water management, agriculture, connectivity, education, regional security, human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and regionalisation.
Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been a strong increased interest in the five Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. But contrary to the ‘new Great Game’ narratives that present the region as just a battlefield for larger powers, Central Asian states are demonstrating that they are taking the initiative in diversifying their international relations with their own agendas.
All this takes place in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context, which this report outlines through six dynamics in an interactive mapping. Amid this quickly evolving geopolitical context of Eurasia, the EU can also play a role. As Central Asian states value European engagement, both should use the momentum of increased attention for the region to further strengthen the relationship.
The EU has argued it wants to take a more geopolitical approach in its dealings worldwide since 2019. If the EU wishes to succeed, this policy should be backed up by tangible engagement that goes beyond energy and trade, for instance by including education, regional cooperation, and other elements in its policy as well. This report identifies eight of such areas for the EU, in line with the EU strategy for Central Asia. While all points are important, the ones related to water management and agriculture should be of particular relevance to the Netherlands in “doing its bit”.
Towards further strengthening EU – Central Asia relations in line with the EU’s geopolitical ambitions, the report ends with putting forward several recommendations.
