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On 20 October, the EU brought together foreign ministers and representatives from EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine and Central Asian partners (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) to discuss the Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda, which aims to link the EU with Central Asia via Türkiye and the South Caucasus. The initiative seeks to coordinate strategic investments to boost trade and socio-economic development through resilient and efficient transport, energy and digital connections, with sustainability and the green transition at its core.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and resilience across the Black Sea, South Caucasus and Central Asia. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting secure and prosperous regions through improved connectivity, energy and trade links. The Black Sea region was highlighted as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia, essential for international trade and the transit of grains, energy and critical raw materials. The EU expressed its readiness to step up support for Member States and partners in building maritime capacities, monitoring and protecting critical infrastructure, and countering hybrid threats.

Participants also discussed the launch of the Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda, aimed at strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, extending transport connections and harmonising customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade. The agenda will serve as a driver of growth and stability across the wider region, with the Commission preparing a coordination framework together with participating countries, international financial institutions, private investors and other partners. The framework will be presented and further discussed at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Investors and Connectivity Forum in Uzbekistan in November.

Source: European Commission