EU, Central Asia launch new dialogue format in Brussels
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The European Union and five Central Asian states launched a new ministerial dialogue format in Brussels on June 13. The inaugural meeting brought together foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan with EU officials.
New Dialogue Format
The EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting established a regular platform for political and security discussions. EU High Representative Josep Borrell co-chaired the session with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. The format replaces ad-hoc meetings with a structured annual dialogue.
Key Agenda Items
Discussions covered regional security, connectivity, and energy cooperation. Borrell emphasized the EU's commitment to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which aims to bypass Russia. The EU also pledged €10 million for border management and counter-terrorism programs in Central Asia.
What's Next
The next ministerial meeting is scheduled for 2027 in an undisclosed Central Asian capital. It remains unclear whether the format will expand to include trade and investment agreements.
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EU, Central Asia launch new dialogue format in Brussels
