On October 20, the EU gathered foreign ministers and representatives of the EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine and Central Asian partners (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) to discuss the Agenda for Interregional Cooperation, which aims to connect the EU with Central Asia through Turkey and the South Caucasus. This initiative will coordinate strategic investments to boost trade and socio-economic development through resilient and efficient transport, energy and digital links, underpinned by sustainable development and a green transition.
This meeting takes place in line with the EU's Strategic Approach to the Black Sea Region and the EU-Central Asia Summit.
On the EU side, the discussions were attended by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaia Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Sikela.
At the meetings, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of common interest, enhancing mutual resilience and contributing to more connected, secure and prosperous regions. The participants also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on shared security interests.
Strengthening security, stability and resilience in the Black Sea region
The Black Sea region, a key bridge between Europe and Asia, plays a vital role in international trade and transit of grain, energy and critical raw materials, making it central to regional and global security.
At the first ministerial meeting, EU Member States and Black Sea countries reaffirmed the essential importance of inter-regional security, including maritime security. The EU expressed its readiness to strengthen support to Member States and partners in building maritime capabilities, including monitoring, protecting critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats.
Initiatives to enhance coast guard cooperation in the region, support mine clearance initiatives and address risks related to the shadow fleet, building on lessons learned in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, were also discussed. These efforts are part of the EU’s contribution to the security of Ukraine and ensuring resilience in the Black Sea region.
Launch of the Interregional Connectivity Programme
At the second ministerial session, EU representatives, together with ministers from EU Member States, the Black Sea and South Caucasus countries, as well as Central Asian countries, discussed an ambitious Interregional Connectivity Programme, which aims to explore economic opportunities and promote long-term shared prosperity, cooperation and peace.
The focus is on sustainable and resilient connections in four priority areas:
• Transport: strengthening the interregional Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) and expanding our transport links.
• Digital sector: developing high-speed internet access to stimulate innovation, digital trade and ensure the security of critical infrastructure.
• Energy: improving energy connections and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy to enhance energy security and diversification.
• Trade: harmonization and digitalization of customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade and deepen market integration.
Building on existing initiatives, the Connectivity Programme will be central to sustainability and future economic growth across the region.
The discussions highlighted the importance of coordination between the different actors. The Commission will work on a proposal for a coordination framework, building on existing practices and bringing together Member States, international financial institutions, private investors and interested third parties. This framework will be presented and further refined at the TCTC Investor and Connectivity Forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 27 November 2025. In parallel, a mapping of existing analyses and ongoing investments in the four priority areas will guide future discussions between stakeholders on priority investments and soft connectivity measures.
Quote(s)
The Black Sea region is of strategic importance to the EU. Russia’s war in Ukraine has dangerous consequences for the entire region. Moscow’s military buildup, its shadow fleet, its floating mines and the jamming of ships’ data processing systems are collective security challenges that require a collective response. Beyond the Black Sea, the war has affected land trade between Asia and the EU. Together with our Central Asian partners, we will diversify the links between our regions and provide ourselves with more trade, energy and digital opportunities. Kaia Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Until Russia’s aggressive war, most land trade between Asia and the EU went through Russia. Today, that route is closed. We need alternatives. That is why all these countries, stretching from Europe to the borders of China, have come to Luxembourg. This is the first time. We all know that dependence on a single supplier of energy or critical goods makes us vulnerable. By building new infrastructure together, we can give ourselves more freedom of action and more opportunities for trade, everyabout where we buy energy and how we transfer digital data. More opportunities mean more independence for all.
Marta Cos, Commissioner for Enlargement
Central Asia is a dynamic region with a young generation and a strong potential to cooperate with Europe within the Global Gateway. Together we can turn this potential into real opportunities. Reliable connectivity – in transport, energy and digital networks – is the foundation for this. By strengthening these links between our regions, we can foster trade, create jobs and build lasting prosperity on both sides.
Josef Sikela, Commissioner for International Partnerships