COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Friday, 04 April 2025

● European Council   04/04/2025 15:22 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the joint doorstep with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following the first EU-Central Asia summit   Samarkand’s legacy as a bridge between East and West makes it the ideal setting for the first-ever summit between Central Asia and the European Union. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership. We are elevating our ties to a strategic level, reflecting the vast potential ahead. In recent years, Central Asian countries have strongly developed their regional cooperation. The EU is a reliable partner for Central Asia. And this summit is not a destination, but a journey that we are advancing through concrete action.  We aim to strengthen economic ties, trade, and investment. We have already signed bilateral partnerships with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This year, we will sign our bilateral cooperation agreement partnership agreement with Uzbekistan, and next year, with Tajikistan. Talks with Turkmenistan will begin soon.  As the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced earlier, we are mobilising more than €12 billion for the region under the Global Gateway Initiative. We are committed to enhancing digital and sustainable transport connectivity, including the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. And we are facilitating European investment and technological development in critical raw materials. Climate change is a key area for joint action. We are taking action to promote sustainable water management, agriculture, energy transition, and the development of a green economy. We face shared security challenges and are prepared to intensify our efforts through a regular security dialogue. Afghanistan remains a concern. We discussed the security situation and the potential spill-over risks to Central Asia and Europe. As you know, the most severe security challenge Europe faces today is Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, which undermines international stability. We hope the new momentum leads to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. And we must work together in a common effort to guarantee it.  To conclude, our relationship has never been stronger. We must now shape the future chapters of our strategic partnership. And to do so, in line with the motto of this summit: “Investing in the future”. Thank you very much.   ● European Council   04/04/2025 12:20 | Press release | Joint press release following the first EU-Central Asia summit   On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia - European Union Summit was held in Samarkand. It was chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU was represented by the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Together with President Mirziyoyev, Central Asian countries were represented by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Against the backdrop of increasing high-level bilateral engagements over the past years and a rapidly evolving multilateral- and regional agenda, the EU and Central Asia leaders agreed to elevate relations between the two regions by establishing a strategic partnership.  “Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the need for close co-operation is only growing. The development of our multifaceted co-operation is facilitated by the profound transformation in Central Asia, which has become sustainable and irreversible thanks to common political will. Our summit will result in a historic decision to establish a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union. I am convinced that our strategic partnership should be filled with concrete decisions, projects and programmes. I would like to emphasise the importance of introducing mechanisms for the practical implementation of our initiatives and agreements.” — Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “After years of successful cooperation it is time to take our partnership with Central Asia to the next level, deepening trade, strengthening regional collaboration and expanding people-to-people ties. This summit reaffirms our shared commitment to a strategic partnership built on common values and interests. The EU remains a reliable forward-looking partner for Central Asia, investing in its long-term sustainable development for mutual, long-lasting benefit. Consistency, predictability and ambition will continue to drive our joint efforts.” — António Costa, President of the European Council “At this historic summit, Europe and Central Asia have decided to elevate our cooperation to a strategic partnership. In an uncertain world, we send a clear and powerful message: we are partners of choice, and we can rely on each other. To kick-start this new era, we are launching a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package—strengthening transport links between us and deepening cooperation on critical raw materials, digital connectivity, water, and energy. These investments will benefit us both. Because when our partners grow and prosper, Europe does too.” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission They also supported ongoing efforts towards sustainable transport connectivity and strengthening economic ties through initiatives under the Global Gateway Strategy. In this context, leaders highlighted the progress on the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia. To further support efforts on this front, leaders welcomed the mobilisation of a €10 billion international investment package to support sustainable transport infrastructure and logistics networks in Central Asia. The EU leaders reiterated their continuing support towards the accession of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  To boost cooperation on energy and the green transition, the summit highlighted the shared EU and Central Asia commitment to sustainable value chains for critical raw materials, through the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia declaration of intent on critical raw materials.  Leaders also welcomed the increasing involvement of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the region in the specific areas of energy, water management, connectivity, transport and critical raw materials.  During the summit, Leaders expressed their commitment to regional and global stability, particularly in Afghanistan and Ukraine, and to the promotion and protection of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.  EU leaders congratulated President Mirziyoyev for the warm hospitality and organisation of a successful summit, which marks a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations.

● European Council

04/04/2025 10:42 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the inauguration of the International Climate Forum   It is a great honour to stand before you today in the historic city of Samarkand, a place where cultures, trade, science, innovation and ideas have come together for centuries. Today, we gather with the same purpose: our collective commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time—the climate crisis. The opening of the International Climate Conference is very timely indeed, as we just concluded the Plenary of the First ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia, formally deciding to elevate our relations to the strategic level. We committed to working together, to face the global challenges that we all share, and Climate is one of the biggest. The triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—is not a distant threat. It is already a reality, reshaping our ecosystems, our economies, and our way of living. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing water scarcity destabilizes energy production, economic growth, agricultural, food security, social stability and peace in the region. This is also evident here in Central Asia, where the fragile balance of water and energy is under growing stress. Certainly, the dramatic dry of Aral Sea is an example of what humanity can or cannot do. But these climate challenges are not just challenges for Central Asia - they are challenges for all of us. Our global challenges, as António Guterres expressed very well. Across Europe, we have witnessed firsthand the cost of climate-driven disasters, by experiencing devastating wildfires, deadly floods, and record-breaking heatwaves that push our infrastructure and societies to their limits.  This is why climate resilience must be at the heart of our joint cooperation - not just in reducing emissions, but in adaptation, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction too. Water and energy are the lifelines of our societies and economies. We must take decisive action now. The energy transition currently unfolding in Central Asia is not just an opportunity for this region - it is a global game-changer. Europe has also undergone its own energy transformation, modernizing grids, integrating renewables at scale, and strengthening energy security. Still, Europe also has much to learn from Central Asian energy transition experience, and its innovative strategies to mitigate extreme climate variability.  By strengthening the Central Asia-Europe climate partnership, we accelerate investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable water management, securing a climate-resilient future for both our regions. By linking water and energy management strategies in Central Asia with Europe’s disaster risk reduction frameworks, we are creating long-term synergies.  Synergies that enhance the capabilities of our climate models, bolster infrastructure resilience, and ultimately safeguard communities against a spectrum of climate-induced hazards. Together, we can shape a world where water, energy, and climate resilience, security and prosperity drive regional stability and global sustainability. Climate action is no longer a choice. It is a common priority. The world is moving fast, and those who invest in climate resilience, clean energy, and smart resource management will be the leaders of tomorrow. Today, together with President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen, we reaffirm our commitment to elevating the Central Asia-European Union relations to a strategic partnership. A strategic partnership that will pool European resources, expertise and technology in favour of a deeper cooperation with Central Asia on climate action, water management, energy security, green development and sustainability. This is the way forward. This must be a central part of our common future. The European Union is a reliable, predictable and trustful partner. Committed to its international engagements, like the Paris Agreement, the Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals. The European Union stands ready not just as a reliable partner, but as a long-term ally in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable prosperity. Let us act urgently, boldly, and together. Thank you.

European Council

04/04/2025 10:41 | Press release | Joint Declaration following the first European Union-Central Asia summit   We, the Leaders of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and of the European Union (EU), held our first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 4 April 2025 and concluded the following: Reaffirming our commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, we decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership. We acknowledged the significant results achieved in recent years to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between our regions. The EU reconfirmed its commitment to the goals of the EU Strategy on Central Asia of 2019. The Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia adopted on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg has been useful in operationalising the Strategy. We acknowledged the role of the EU-Central Asia high-level regional meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the European Council, held in Astana in 2022 and Cholpon-Ata in 2023, and the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025 in taking stock of these commitments in preparation for this Summit. We welcomed the progress achieved and underscored the importance of maintaining its momentum. Read the whole declaration

● Eurogroup

04/04/2025 09:47 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Eurogroup meeting of 11 April 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8 April at 14.30. The briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by Tuomas Saarenheimo, President of the Eurogroup Working Group. The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. If you haven't registered for one of the previous Eurogroup press events, please use this link to do so and have the possibility to ask questions remotely. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 8 April at 13.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. ● Council of the EU   04/04/2025 09:12 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 7 April 2025   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 7 April 2025   ● European Council   04/04/2025 08:17 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the plenary session of the First EU-Central Asia Summit   [Check against delivery] It is my distinct privilege to co-chair today’s historic event, the first-ever European Union-Central Asia Summit. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome we have received in your beautiful country, and for hosting us in the ancient city of Samarkand – a city that has made its significant mark in the history of our regions. Today, I am proud to be part of a new chapter in the modern history of Samarkand, as we elevate the relations between our two regions to a dynamic ‘strategic’ partnership. It has been 30 years since we established diplomatic relations between the European Union and the five Central Asian countries, and it is time to recognize the profound significance of the ties that bind us together. In these past days, I had the privilege of visiting the spectacular cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, where I discovered not only the impressive history and rich culture of the region but also the deep-rooted connections that have shaped our relationship for centuries, through cultural exchanges, scientific collaboration, and trade. In today’s international context, the importance of a functioning, rules-based multilateral order cannot be overstated. Our meeting today encourages even more EU-Central Asia cooperation in multilateral fora, reinforcing our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous global order. I would like to commend Uzbekistan for hosting the Samarkand Climate Forum later today, which underscores the importance of regional cooperation on critical issues such as climate change and water management. These challenges are among the most pressing of our time, and we must work together to address them. We have already accomplished a great deal. The European Union is one of Central Asia’s main investors and the second-largest trade partner. We must now look to the future and take our cooperation to new heights.  Climate change is an area where our joint action is not only needed for our own benefit but for the greater good of global stability, security, and prosperity. Issues such as water scarcity, poor air quality, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity pose serious threats to the security and prosperity of both our regions.  Europe’s two Climate Banks – the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – are already supporting critical climate action in Central Asia, and we are committed to expanding this cooperation significantly. In recent years, with the adoption of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia (2019), the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia (2023), and the momentum from the EU Global Gateway Strategy, we have enhanced our engagement with your region. We are exploring new areas of cooperation, including in digital technologies, transport, and raw materials.  However, I believe our relationship has not yet reached its full potential. Our partnership is a journey, not a destination. This Summit marks the start of a new dimension in our relations, and it will not be a one-off. I am eager to hear your views and proposals on how we can further increase our cooperation and focus on the areas that will offer the greatest benefits. Together, we must ensure that our strategic partnership is both real and dynamic, delivering concrete outcomes that have a lasting impact. As we face common security challenges that are steadily increasing on a global scale, we must acknowledge that security threats are now of a transnational nature. No region is immune to these risks, and therefore, we must step up our cooperation at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. The European Union has been a long-standing partner for Central Asia in the field of security. Our programs on border management and addressing drug-related challenges have long showcased the EU’s commitment to this region. We have also provided support for various counterterrorism initiatives, including law enforcement, countering terrorism financing, and preventing violent extremism and radicalization.  The regular dialogues on drugs between our regions are one example of where we can build further, strengthening our cooperation in combating these challenges. I am particularly pleased that, together, we have agreed to initiate a dedicated dialogue on counterterrorism and violent extremism. This is an important step forward in addressing shared security threats. And I wish to use this opportunity to congratulate Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on the signing of the historic border agreement on the 13th of March. This is an important accomplishment for both countries and for the whole region. In turbulent times we need more examples like this to solve conflicts peacefully. Turning to Afghanistan, where multiple security threats, notably terrorism, violent extremism, and drug trafficking, risk spilling over into both Central Asia and Europe, Central Asia has valuable experiences and insights on how to best mitigate these risks. Together, we can work to ensure regional stability. Additionally, we are witnessing an increase in disinformation being used for political manipulation purposes. In the European Union, we take this threat very seriously and remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen resilience, both within the EU and in our partner countries. The most severe security challenge we face today is the continuing Russian aggression against Ukraine. This war goes far beyond Ukraine and Europe. Russia’s war is not a local conflict; it is an assault on the very principles of the rules-based international order.  For over three years, Russia, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has flagrantly violated the United Nations Charter and international law, undermining the stability of the international system. There is now new momentum for a peace process in Ukraine, one that should lead to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. We must work together to guarantee it. The European Union fully supports these efforts and will contribute to them in every way possible. The principles laid out in the United Nations Charter are not just words on paper – they represent the shared commitment of nations to prevent conflicts, promote peace, and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. These principles are as relevant today as they were when the United Nations was founded, and they remain the cornerstone of multilateralism. We must work together not only to defend multilateralism but to reform it so that it is more effective, inclusive, and better suited to today’s realities.  Our first Summit is a clear example of the stabilizing role that regional cooperation based on trust can play on the global stage. The European Union is eager to build a mutually beneficial partnership with Central Asia, one that goes beyond expectations, setting a living example of what is possible when nations come together in the spirit of cooperation. Today’s Summit is a landmark. We look to the future with optimism. And we share the motto of this Summit: “investing in the future”. Our relations have never been stronger, and now, we must move forward with ambition to write the next chapters of the strategic partnership between Central Asia and the European Union. Thank you.   ● Council of the EU   04/04/2025 16:25 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 7 April 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: ECC Luxembourg Chair: Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland from 10.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 10.45 Doorstep by Michał Baranowski (live streaming) 11.00 Beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items - Non-legislative list Trade relations with the US Trade relations with China At the end of the meeting (+/- 14.40 in ECC Luxembourg press room) press conference in live streaming. Videos and photos from the event 03/04/2025 | Article European defence ministers meet in Warsaw to discuss continental security On 3 April, the Foreign Affairs Council met in its Defence configuration at the Warsaw Citadel to discuss the rearmament of Europe and support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. EU ministers also debated the European Commission’s White Paper on European Defence. 03/04/2025 | Article The SECURE International Summit has begun – the most important event in the field of cybersecurity under the Polish presidency The event in Bydgoszcz is attended by several hundred participants from the world of science, technology, politics, key experts and decision-makers. One of the main topics is the common strategy of the EU countries related to cyber threats and the future of digital security of Europeans. 04/04/2025 | Article Europe unites in the face of cyber attacks – end of the SECURE International Summit 2025 A clear message comes from Poland - the future of cybersecurity in Europe depends on our ability to cooperate - both at the national and international level, to respond quickly and to make bold investments in technology.