EU, Central Asia finalize key declaration on critical raw materials

The European Union and Central Asian countries are in the final stages of preparing a significant joint declaration regarding critical raw materials.

The announcement was made by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, ahead of his visit to Uzbekistan, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Commissioner Síkela, aims to use the visit to Central Asia to advance the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

On X, the Commissioner said: "Trade between Europe and Asia is growing fast. But to make it stable and efficient, we are developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor — a fast, secure route connecting Europe and Asia in 15 days or less, and an alternative to Russian and Red Sea routes. I will visit Turkmenbashi Port in Turkmenistan, the gateway to this corridor. But most of my meetings in all five countries will focus on making this project a reality".

During his visit, Síkela will meet with officials from the five Central Asian countries to promote economic collaboration under the EU's Global Gateway Strategy. He highlighted that the region has a 340 billion euro economy, growing at an average rate of 5 per cent annually, with vast untapped potential for further cooperation.

Sikela emphasized that the agreements being finalized during his mission are crucial for advancing cooperation in the region, particularly regarding the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. "During my mission, we are expected to sign important agreements, including finalizing a joint declaration on critical raw materials for the entire region, including Uzbekistan. This declaration will outline specific steps for sustainable extraction and advanced processing," Sikela stated.

The declaration is set to outline a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the responsible use and management of raw materials essential for the global supply chain, with particular attention to sustainability and technological advancements.

Sikela also highlighted that the EU's current priorities in Central Asia focus on four key areas: digital connectivity, critical minerals, sustainable infrastructure, and clean energy and water management. These areas are seen as pivotal for fostering long-term collaboration and growth between the EU and Central Asian nations, with the aim of enhancing both regional development and global sustainability efforts.

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. As a strategy it embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. 

By Vafa Guliyeva