Why is this important
The new agreement modernizes the legal framework of Uzbekistan’s relations with the EU — its largest trading partner and source of investment. It opens access to European markets, technologies, and capital, strengthens the country’s position in regional trade, and creates the framework for deep economic reforms.
What happened
- Uzbekistan and the EU signed an Enhanced Partnership Agreement in Brussels;
- The document was signed by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and EU High Representative Kaya Kallas;
- The agreement replaces the 1996 document, negotiations were held from February 2019 to July 2022;
- The document includes 9 sections, 356 articles, and 14 appendices;
- It covers trade, investment, sustainable development, science, education, technology, ecology, and climate.
Four Priorities of Cooperation
President Mirziyoyev, at a meeting with the heads of European companies, highlighted key areas:
- Глубокая переработка сырья — производство готовой продукции с высокой добавленной стоимостью внутри страны;
- “Green” economy — participation in renewable energy projects, energy saving and environmental chemistry;
- Infrastructure and logistics — modernization of the transport network, development of transit routes between Europe and Asia;
- Digital economy — cooperation in IT, AI, and cybersecurity through the development of IT parks and startup incubators.
Business meeting
The President held a round table with the heads of European Investment Bank, Commerzbank, Vandewiele, KfW, and other European companies. The participants noted the transparent and stable conditions for investments in Uzbekistan and confirmed their readiness for new joint projects.
European Commissioner for Expansion Marta Kos also participated in the meeting, which underscores Uzbekistan’s strategic importance for the EU in Central Asia.
Context
The EU is one of Uzbekistan’s largest trading partners. For 9 months of 2025, trade turnover with the EU amounted to $5 billion. The new agreement creates more favorable conditions for European investment and the export of Uzbek products to European markets.
Negotiations on the agreement lasted more than three years (February 2019 — July 2022), which indicates the seriousness and depth of the document. 356 articles cover practically all spheres of bilateral relations – from political dialogue to environmental protection.
The focus on the “green” economy aligns with EU priorities: the European Green Deal requires partners to transition to renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint. The participation of European companies in renewable energy projects can attract tens of billions of euros in investments.
The development of transit routes between Europe and Asia strengthens Uzbekistan’s role in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, an alternative to the northern routes through Russia.
The digital economy and AI are new areas of cooperation reflecting global trends. The EU is actively investing in the digitalization of partner countries through programs such as the Digital Europe Programme.
