Statement by Mr. Eduards Stiprais, EUSR for Central Asia, at SPECA Forum

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Statement by Mr. Eduards Stiprais, EUSR for Central Asia, at SPECA Forum

22.01.2026 Press & Information Section of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan

Mr Chair, Dear Minister Astanagulov,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Esteemed Colleagues,

It is a genuine pleasure to join you for the SPECA Economic Forum here in Turkmenistan.

Let me first extend my sincere thanks to His Excellency, President Berdimuhamedov, for hosting this important gathering.

This is my fourth visit to Turkmenistan in my current mandate, which reflects both my personal interest and the European Union's strong and sustained engagement with this country and the wider region.

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The economic development of Central Asia in recent years has been remarkable.

By working together, the countries of the region have achieved milestones that contribute to growth, resilience, and regional stability.

SPECA provides a valuable multilateral platform to build on this progress, strengthening cooperation and reinforcing trust across borders.

Deepening regional cooperation is a clear strategic interest for the European Union.

My mandate as EU Special Representative is regional by design. Our strong bilateral partnerships with each Central Asian country are essential, but they are most effective when complemented by regional and multilateral frameworks.

The first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand marked a historic step in this regard, elevating our relations to a strategic partnership. Our joint work since then demonstrates that this momentum is being translated into concrete cooperation.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly affected global markets, transport routes, and energy systems, underscoring the importance of resilient connectivity, diversified partnerships, and strong regional cooperation.

Against this backdrop, the EU remains fully committed to delivering on the Summit's outcomes. A good example is the Global Gateway Forum held in October 2025, which showcased a distinctly Central Asian perspective.

At the Forum, the European Union, together with the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, reaffirmed their readiness to support major, regionally relevant investments that strengthen sustainable growth, energy security, and connectivity.

This momentum was further reinforced at the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum held in Tashkent in November, which served as an important platform to deepen dialogue and strengthen the economic partnership between the EU and Central Asia.

Our coordinated approach underlines our intention to act as a reliable and long-term partner for Central Asia.

The EU is committed to supporting Central Asia in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth, climate resilience, and regional connectivity. Sustainability is not an abstract objective; it is integral to long-term economic development.

The region faces growing challenges from climate change, water stress, and energy transition.

Together with its partners, the EU stands ready to work with Central Asian countries to address these challenges, particularly in areas such as green energy, water management, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

We see significant potential in strengthening regional cooperation on the water-energy nexus, including through enhanced coordination and the further development of regional institutions.

Through Team Europe Initiatives and policy dialogues, the EU seeks to support these efforts in a manner fully aligned with SPECA's objectives and regional priorities.

In this context, large regional hydropower projects such as Rogun and Kambar-Ata are not only national undertakings, but initiatives of regional significance.

When pursued in a cooperative, transparent, and sustainable manner, they can enhance energy security, support green transitions, and strengthen regional interdependence.

Connectivity remains another key pillar of EU-Central Asia cooperation. Developing efficient, sustainable transport links is essential for landlocked economies.

The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is a prime example of a project that naturally connects Europe across the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, with Central Asia and beyond.

The EU supports this inclusive approach and stands ready to facilitate cooperation that enhances trade, reduces bottlenecks, and improves resilience along these corridors.

Innovation, digitalisation, and sustainableresource management are also areas where the EU can add value. Digital solutions and sustainable industrial practices can support more efficient connectivity, trade, and public services, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this broader context, cooperation on critical raw materials can contribute to the green and digital transitions by promoting responsible value chains and strengthening local capacities, in line with sustainability objectives.

As highlighted in the EU Strategy for Central Asia, sustainable prosperity and resilience are also supported by effective institutions, inclusive governance, and predictable legal and regulatoryframeworks. These elements help create a stable environment for investment, innovation, and regional cooperation.

The European Union stands ready to engage with Central Asian partners, through dialogue and cooperation, in support of these enabling conditions for long-term, sustainable development, in line with nationally defined priorities.

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Turning south, the EU attaches great importance to continued dialogue with Central Asia on Afghanistan. Regional stability, connectivity, and economic prospects are closely linked to developments there.

The structured EU-Central Asia dialogue on Afghanistan, including regular meetings of Special Representatives and Envoys, allows us to exchange assessments, align approaches where possible, and focus on support for the Afghan people. Central Asia remains one of the EU's most important partners in this dialogue.

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Looking ahead, 2026 offers further opportunities to advance our cooperation.

I look forward to the EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Brussels later this year, which will allow us to take stock of progress and set priorities for the next phase of our engagement.

I also welcome key regional milestones such as the Dushanbe Water Conference in May and the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana in April, which underscore the region's leadership on water, climate, and environmental sustainability and provide important platforms for international cooperation.

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Excellencies,

Trust is the foundation of effective regional cooperation. SPECA embodies this spirit of dialogue, practical cooperation, and mutual respect. The European Union values this platform and sees it as complementary to our broader engagement with Central Asia.

I am confident that 2026 will bring new opportunities to deepen this partnership. Today's event is an ideal moment to reflect on progress, share experiences, and identify areas for renewed collaboration.

I look forward to the discussions and outcomes of this forum, and to working together with all of you in building a more prosperous, sustainable, and connected Central Asia.

Sag boluň!