Central Asia
The countries of Central Asia are growing more and more significant for Germany's and indeed the EU's energy security, and they increasingly play a role in the development of a transcontinental transport infrastructure linking Europe, Russia and Asia. The Federal Government used the German EU Presidency to provide impetus for more intensive cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia. A strategy for future collaboration was officially adopted by the European Council in the first half of 2007.
Central Asia's significance for Germany and Europe
The countries of Central Asia are becoming increasingly important from a strategic point of view. The region has a lot to offer. It is growing more and more significant for Germany's and indeed the EU's energy security: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have major oil and gas reserves; the Caspian Sea area and Central Asia harbour about 4% of all proven global energy reserves. Apart from this, the region is also important due to its proximity to Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without stability in Central Asia. The region is also increasingly gaining a key role in the development of a transcontinental transport infrastructure linking Europe, Russia and Asia.
On the other hand, however, the region also harbours a number of risks. The Central Asian countries are used as transit routes for drugs and organized crime, and the threat of militant Islamist fundamentalism is proving to be a serious concern to the mostly secular states in the region. Increased activities by Islamist organizations have been monitored, not only in the Ferghana Valley triangle but also elsewhere.
The EU's aims in Central Asia
Stability and security are at the top of the list for the EU in Central Asia, as they are not only vital for peace and prosperity in the whole region around the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea — they also directly affect security in Europe.
Another aspect of security is that Europe seeks to promote cross-border cooperation within Central Asia itself, since closed, and in some cases mined, borders between Central Asian neighbours still hinder the free movement of persons and goods and indeed claim human lives. At the same time, cross-border drug trafficking is increasingly becoming an obstacle to modernizing the affected societies. The equitable allocation and use of water resources, as well as environmental-protection issues, are further regional challenges.
Pursuing a holistic partnership approach, the EU also supports Central Asia's political development, based among other things on the catalogue of shared values agreed within the UN and the OSCE. As part of the "Baku Initiative" the EU is helping the Central Asian states to create functioning oil, gas and electricity markets modelled on the legal framework of the European energy market.
In view of the further development of EU–Russia relations and of the EU's intensified neighbourhood policy towards the east, the Central Asia strategy is a major building-block in an enhanced EU policy vis-à-vis the former Soviet Union.
Minister Steinmeier
German EU Presidency
The Federal Government has used the German EU Presidency in the first half of 2007 to provide impetus for more intensive cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia. The European Council mandate issued in December 2006 has been implemented, in cooperation with the Commission and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and a strategy for future collaboration with these countries has been drawn up. This document was officially adopted by the European Council at its Brussels summit on 22 June 2007.
From 30 October to 4 November 2006, during the preparations for Germany's Presidency, Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier travelled to the region, the first German foreign minister to visit all five countries in the Central Asian region: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan und Kyrgyzstan. Germany is the only EU Member State with embassies in all these five former Soviet republics.
In addition, in accordance with a German initiative, a foreign ministers meeting took place in Astana on 28 March between the EU Troika and the Central Asian countries, the first in this format and the very first at this senior level. The meeting in particular explored the priorities of the Central Asian countries and led to agreement on core areas of future cooperation.
In parallel, numerous events were organized by the German Government during the first half of 2007 with participants from Central Asia; these also helped to prepare the Central Asia strategy.
What is the EU's Central Asia strategy?
The major elements can be summed up as follows:
The EU and Central Asia: Strategy for a new partnership
This strategy for the first time sets out political guidelines for a considerably enhanced EU commitment in Central Asia. With this concept the EU underlines the region's growing strategic significance due to its location between Europe, Asia, Russia and South Asia. In support of the strategy the EU will between 2007 and 2013 double its financial assistance for the Central Asian states (€ 750 million). Further funds will be provided by way of bilateral programmes with EU Member States and cooperation with International Financial Institutions (IFIs). The EU and the Central Asian countries will in addition conduct a regular dialogue at political level; the first such meeting took place in Astana this March. The European Council will evaluate the success of the Central Asia strategy for the first time in June 2008 and at least every two years thereafter. The EU intends to open Commission Delegations in all five Central Asian states.
Bilateral and regional cooperation
The EU's strategy on Central Asia favours a balanced bilateral and regional approach which takes due account of the specific requirements and performance of each individual country. The EU will support regional cooperation both between the Central Asian states themselves and between Central Asia and other regions. It aims for constructive dialogue with regional organizations in Central Asia.
Human rights, rule of law, good governance and democratization
A stable political framework and a functioning economy depend on the rule of law, human rights, good governance and transparent, democratic political structures. The EU is prepared to enter into a human-rights dialogue with all Central Asian states. The EU will provide funds for a Rule of Law Initiative and will work closely together with the OSCE and the UN.
Investing in the future: youth and education
The majority of Central Asia's population is under the age of 25. Good education is essential for opening up their future opportunities. The EU and the Member States will therefore set up a European Education Initiative for Central Asia in order to help adapt these countries' education systems to the needs of the globalized world. The EU will support the creation of regional education centres and cooperate closely with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.
Promotion of economic development, trade and investment
The EU calls for the removal of trade barriers between the Central Asian states and will continue to support WTO accession for the four countries which are not yet WTO members. The EU will promote the creation of a regulatory and institutional framework for an improved business and investment environment and support economic diversification. The expansion of regional infrastructure in the fields of transport, energy and trade will help make better use of Central Asia's economic potential, not least through improved regional cooperation.
Strengthening energy and transport links
Both the EU and Central Asia have a paramount interest in enhancing energy security as an important aspect of global security. Besides oil, gas and electricity, water management is a decisive factor in energy policy. Hydro-power production and distribution are crucial to promoting stability and prosperity in Central Asia and beyond. Increasing oil and gas production will contribute to better world market supplies. A market-based approach linked to a transparent, stable and non-discriminatory regulatory framework guarantee the best prices and opportunities for all stakeholders. As part of the Baku Initiative the EU will conduct an enhanced regular energy dialogue with the Central Asian states. The EU will lend them political support in developing a new energy transport corridor from the Caspian Sea via the Black Sea to the EU.
Environmental sustainability and water
Fair access to water, forest management, fuel exploitation and transport, and susceptibility to climate change are areas in which the EU will intensify its cooperation with the Central Asian countries.
Combating common threats and challenges
Modern border management creating open and secure borders will facilitate trade and exchange in the region and at the same time help combat regional crime, especially the international drug trade and extremism. Migration is one of the major global challenges of the 21st century. The EU will increase its support for the development of modern border management in Central Asia.
Building bridges: intercultural dialogue
The diversity of religions and centuries-old traditions of peace and tolerance constitute a valuable heritage in Central Asia. Building on this, the EU will promote dialogue within civil society and respect for freedom of religion.
Last updated 28.06.2007
