Uzbekistan, EU to seal strategic cooperation deal on Oct. 24

On October 24, 2025, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit Brussels to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the European Union, according to an Euronews report.

The EPCA establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in political dialogue, trade, security, justice, and sectoral development, while supporting Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and sustainable development.

European Council President António Costa highlighted the significance of the visit, noting it will strengthen EU–Uzbekistan ties. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised expanding trade, transport, digital connectivity, energy, and water cooperation, backed by a €12 billion Global Gateway investment package.

The agreement updates the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, reflecting Uzbekistan’s political and economic progress. Key areas include:

• Political cooperation and reforms, including democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

• Security and foreign policy collaboration on regional stability, non-proliferation, and crisis management.

• Justice, freedom, and security cooperation, covering migration, counter-terrorism, and judicial matters.

• Trade and economic relations, improving regulatory frameworks and access to EU markets.

• Sectoral cooperation in energy, transport, environment, agriculture, digital economy, research, and social affairs.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the historic significance of the agreement:

"The EPCA provides a modern and comprehensive framework for political dialogue, trade, and sectoral cooperation. It aligns with Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and our commitment to a transparent, open, and rules-based economy. For the EU, it provides access to a rapidly developing market and a reliable partner in the energy transition. For Uzbekistan, it opens the door to deeper economic integration with Europe and support for modernisation across key sectors, including energy, digitalisation, agriculture, and the green economy. Beyond trade, it strengthens cooperation on climate action, security, migration, and environmental protection, raising our relationship to a new strategic level."

Recent years have seen EU–Central Asia relations intensify, with regional trade reaching €54 billion and over 1,000 joint ventures in Uzbekistan.

The signing in Brussels consolidates a long-term strategic partnership and sets the stage for further initiatives, including the EU–Central Asia Investment Forum in Tashkent this November.

By Tamilla Hasanova