The European Union is being urged to prioritize human rights as it holds its first summit with leaders from Central Asia. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen are set to meet with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on Friday. The summit, hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Samarkand, a symbol of the rapid development in the region due to its position on the ancient Silk Road, will address trade, counter-terrorism, climate, and energy ties. Relations between the EU and former Soviet republics in Central Asia have strengthened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with both sides aiming to improve transport links via the trans-Caspian transport corridor project, which aims to reduce travel time between the EU and Central Asia by half. Additionally, the EU is seeking endorsement of a text on critical raw materials essential for its green transition. Despite the importance of these partnerships, campaigners are calling on the EU not to overlook human rights issues, highlighting concerns about potential cooperation with Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and urging the EU to insist on proper human rights procedures in infrastructure projects.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/04/eu-urged-to-put-human-rights-centre-stage-at-first-central-asia-summit