The European Union plans to continue supporting investment in Central Asia under its Global Gateway initiative. The announcement followed a regular meeting between ambassadors from the region and officials from relevant EU bodies at the European External Action Service in Brussels, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium reported on Tuesday.
Deputy managing director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service Audrone Perkauskiene; EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais; Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships Peteris Ustubs and ambassadors of Central Asian countries attended the event.
The sides reviewed the implementation of agreements reached at the first European Union-Central Asia Summit and outlined further steps. A ministerial meeting on connectivity and security involving countries from Central Asia, the Eastern Partnership and the Black Sea region is scheduled for November 16, 2026. The second European Union-Central Asia Summit is planned for 2027.
Participants also noted the successful launch in Brussels on June 23 of the Connectivity Agenda Platform, a mechanism designed to support the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and strengthen transport links between Central Asia and Europe. The digitalization of transport procedures, improved customs administration and the removal of administrative barriers are becoming priorities also noted.
A key outcome of the meeting was confirmation that the investment agenda under Global Gateway would continue, including projects involving the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Preparations were also confirmed for the Global Gateway Forum, scheduled to take place in Brussels on June 7-8, 2027.
Particular attention was paid to relations with Turkmenistan. The European side positively assessed Ashgabat’s efforts to develop political dialogue with the EU and confirmed its readiness to continue preparing a roadmap to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador said cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union is becoming increasingly practical and that summits, ministerial meetings and expert platforms should be viewed as elements of a single long-term process. The Turkmen side also highlighted the importance of the Connectivity Agenda Platform for developing transport cooperation and the need to improve the resilience of regional routes.
Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their interest in further strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and Central Asia and continuing joint initiatives aimed at the region’s sustainable development.
