The European Union Announces a €12 Billion Investment Package for Central Asia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing an investment package worth €7–8 billion by 2027, focusing on critical minerals and green energy. This announcement came during the first-ever Central Asia–European Union summit, currently taking place in Samarkand. During the event, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed the development of a “full-fledged” agreement to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership. On April 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU, under its Global Gateway initiative, will invest €12 billion in Central Asian countries. She highlighted four key areas for cooperation between the regions: the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, critical minerals, green energy, and digital connectivity. “To accelerate progress, I am proud to announce today a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package,” said von der Leyen. “This combines investments from the EU and its member states. It’s a true ‘Team Europe’ approach.” She emphasized that this new investment package marks the beginning of a new era in the long-standing friendship between Europe and Central Asia. The €12 billion will be distributed across four sectors: • Transport: €3 billion • Critical minerals: €2.5 billion • Hydropower and climate initiatives: €6.4 billion • Satellite internet connectivity: €100 million Additionally, the EBRD is developing its own €7–8 billion package for projects in critical minerals and renewable energy by 2027. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has also signed four Memorandums of Understanding with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, pledging €365 million toward sustainable transport, water management, and climate change adaptation.