Overview
- The EU's first summit with Central Asian leaders is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focusing on trade, energy, and security cooperation.
- Key discussions include the development of the trans-Caspian transport corridor to enhance connectivity and reduce transit times between the EU and Central Asia.
- The EU aims to secure access to critical raw materials, including rare earth elements and uranium, essential for its green energy transition.
- Human rights concerns, such as NGO restrictions and forced displacement, are being raised but remain secondary to economic and strategic goals.
- Central Asian nations are being urged to prevent the circumvention of Western sanctions on Russia, though no binding commitments have been made.