EU leaders hold their first summit with Central Asian states

China’s rail ambitions receive another boost as Mongolia approves new line

China is also moving forward with cross-border rail projects in Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

The Central Asia — EU summit has exposed negative trends for Russia — expert Vasiliev: EADaily

EADaily, April 8th, 2025. The Central Asia—EU summit held in Samarkand at the beginning of the month revealed a number of negative trends for Russia in the region. This was stated to the TASS news agency by political strategist Viktor Vasiliev.

Central Asia-EU summit generates little momentum for expanded European role in region

More style than substance.

With Successful Summit, the EU and Central Asia Take Tentative Steps Closer

Turbulence in the wider geopolitical sea has, in many ways, cleared Europe’s path to Central Asia.

After so much hesitation and meetings at the level of individual countries, now in Samarkand the European Union has openly declared its intention to 'raise relations to the point of strategic partnership' with the entire region as a whole. But local leaders, who aim to 'diversify' their foreign policy, are waiting to see how many resources Brussels will actually put on the table.

What explains Europe’s interest in Central Asia

An inaugural EU-Central Asia summit last week marked a step-up in geopolitical competition.