Central Asia’s geostrategic location and the pivotal role it plays in Europe-Asia connectivity, the region’s vast energy resources, and its young and growing population make it a region full of potential and ambition.

The EU strengthens economic ties with Central Asia through trade facilitation, sustainable transport infrastructure development, and targeted investments, with a focus on enhancing connectivity via the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

The EU partners with Central Asia to support the transition towards a green economy, ensuring more reliable and efficient energy supply, promoting food security, jobs, growth, and sustainable development in the region, while maintaining climate neutrality and the protection of the environment, including reducing exposure to climate hazards.

Through flagship programs like DARYA and Erasmus+, the EU invests in education, vocational training, and academic exchanges to develop skills and foster lasting connections between European and Central Asian youth.

The EU strengthens civil society, human rights, and democratic values in Central Asia through structured dialogues, capacity building programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

Ambassador Terhi Hakala held the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2024. A new EU Special Representative will take over from 1 March 2025.

According to the mandate, the EU Special Representative focuses on the EU’s continued and comprehensive cooperation with the countries in the region. The cooperation covers a broad range of matters in the following sectors: security, rule of law, environment, water, climate change, education, and human rights with an emphasis on women and girls. In line with the European Strategy for Central Asia (2019), it is also important to promote development of business environment, to stimulate investment and to foster sustainable connectivity.

Read the message from Ambassador Terhi Hakala