
Samarkand (Uzbekistan) – The third summit between the “European Union and Central Asia” since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 gathered European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
During the summit held in Samarkand, a historic city along the ancient Silk Road, von der Leyen heralded the beginning of a “new era” in the relationship between the EU and Central Asia, unveiling a “strategic partnership” that underscores a mutual commitment to support one another.
She announced a €12 billion aid package for Central Asia, part of the “Global Gateway” initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure—a European counter to China’s “New Silk Roads” initiative.
The European leader outlined four key focus areas: transportation, raw materials, clean energy, and digital connectivity, while Costa emphasized the “immense potential” of this collaboration. (April 4, 2025)













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