Uzbekistan and the West are now one step apart: The triumph in Europe after the U.S.

Between 2005 and 2016, Uzbekistan spent a decade isolated within its own shell—detached from the outside world and often viewed unfavorably by many political circles. However, on October 24, 2025, the country marked a historic milestone for itself and the global community. Uzbekistan officially reaffirmed its place on the world stage in political, economic, social, cultural, and other key spheres. Uzbekistan has returned.

Of course, official Tashkent began opening up to the world years ago—accelerating the transition to a market economy, introducing democratic reforms, and striving to rejoin the global arena. Yet the historic document signed during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Brussels on October 24 this year formalized that return and major achievement. After six years of effort that began in 2019, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the “Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.”

This is not just an ordinary agreement. The document significantly expands cooperation with the EU across numerous areas, establishing regular political dialogue and deepening collaboration in economics, trade, investment, energy, security, human rights, rule of law, and education. The following sections detail the significance of this historic agreement, the efforts that led to it, and the achievements gained along the way.

From the U.S. to Europe – A series of strategic victories

Over the past month, Uzbekistan has achieved a string of major diplomatic breakthroughs. The $105 billion trade agreement signed with the United States caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who is known for his business-driven outlook. The U.S. President recognized Uzbekistan’s growing weight on the international stage. Shortly afterward, on October 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev departed for Brussels—the heart of the European Union—on an official visit, accompanied by First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva. At Brussels International Airport, he was welcomed by the EU’s Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, along with other officials. The following day, October 24, marked the signing of a historic document of great significance to Uzbekistan. A solemn ceremony was held in Brussels with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union was officially signed. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on behalf of Uzbekistan and by European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas on behalf of the EU.

This marks the new-generation version of the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It updates and greatly expands the legal foundation underpinning Uzbekistan–EU cooperation. Negotiations on the new agreement began in February 2019 and concluded in July 2022. The document was initialed in Brussels on July 6, 2022—a step known as “paraphing,” which signals that both sides have reached an understanding and are ready for formal signing. Three years later, the agreement has now been officially signed, moving to the ratification stage. Once ratified, Uzbekistan and the EU will begin deep and consistent cooperation across nearly 30 key areas.

The agreement consists of nine sections, 356 articles, and 14 annexes. It covers nearly all areas of bilateral relations and establishes a comprehensive legal framework for strengthening political dialogue, developing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, science, education, innovation, and high technology, as well as addressing environmental protection and climate change. The signing of the agreement marks a new chapter in Uzbekistan–EU relations, officially elevating them to the level of a strategic partnership.

They were practically strategic partners already

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s active diplomacy and open economic policies have made it a vital partner for the European Union. Europe now views Uzbekistan not only as a “gateway to the region” but also as the “heart of Central Asia.” The first EU–Central Asia summit, held in Samarkand in April this year, further strengthened these ties. During the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa jointly announced the €12 billion “Global Gateway” investment program. This was not merely an economic agreement—it marked the beginning of a new era of strategic relations between Europe and Central Asia based on trust and mutual benefit.

Overall, trade and investment ties between Uzbekistan and the EU have grown substantially in recent years. From 2017 to 2024, trade turnover nearly doubled, reaching about $6.5 billion, compared to just $3 billion nine years earlier. Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU reached $1.7 billion, while imports stood at roughly $4.7 billion—mostly machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and chemical products from Germany, France, and other EU countries. In 2024, direct investment and loans from EU states to Uzbekistan totaled $4.1 billion, representing a 77% increase in a single year. Currently, over 1,000 joint ventures with European capital operate in Uzbekistan, with total investment projects reportedly valued between €30–40 billion.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s inclusion in the EU’s GSP+ preferential trade system in 2021 allowed it to benefit from customs advantages on more than 6,200 types of goods. The GSP+ scheme offers developing countries the ability to export goods to the EU market duty-free or under reduced tariffs. As a result, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU have grown significantly. In short, Uzbekistan–EU trade relations have rapidly expanded, with double-digit growth rates and multi-billion-dollar trade volumes.

Beyond trade, the EU’s Global Gateway initiative is also financing several projects in Uzbekistan. Under the 2021–2027 cooperation framework, the EU allocated a total grant of €119 million for Uzbekistan. The plan includes major investments in transport and logistics. During the Samarkand summit, the EU announced a €10 billion international investment package for infrastructure projects across Central Asia—primarily aimed at improving the Trans-Caspian transport corridor connecting China’s Xi’an city through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and the Black Sea to Europe. The EU is now working with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other regional countries to strengthen this route and maritime links.

What does the enhanced partnership mean for Uzbekistan?

The EU’s Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) represents a new-generation framework designed for non-member countries. Uzbekistan signed the older version of this agreement in 1996 but has now achieved a modern, expanded version. Kazakhstan signed its EPCA with the EU in 2020, Kyrgyzstan in 2024, and now Uzbekistan joins them after years of negotiation. Ratification is currently underway in Kyrgyzstan and will soon begin in Uzbekistan. Once ratified, the agreement becomes legally binding—requiring commitments such as facilitating free trade, aligning national legislation with the accord, and protecting human rights. In short, Uzbekistan’s close cooperation policy with the EU will henceforth be guided by this agreement.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, however, have different priorities under their respective EPCAs. Kazakhstan uses it to deepen ties with the EU in energy and transport, while Uzbekistan focuses on accelerating social and economic reforms, trade expansion, and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, other Central Asian countries, such as Tajikistan, have yet to finalize their agreements, and Turkmenistan remains under the older framework from the previous century. Thus, the document signed on October 24 elevates Uzbekistan–EU relations to a strategic level, shortening the political distance that once separated Europe and Tashkent. The two sides will now cooperate in key areas such as political dialogue, trade and economy, security, sustainable development, and sectoral partnerships. According to Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry, the EPCA represents “a historic stage in relations with the EU,” reflecting the nation’s significant political, economic, and institutional progress. The agreement is expected to establish a broader trade regime, enhance investment and market integration, and allow European businesses greater access to Central Asia’s growing market. It also provides Uzbekistan with new advantages for accessing the EU market and complements the existing GSP+ system by further supporting exports. Overall, the EPCA will fundamentally expand mutual relations and reinforce the political and economic bridge between Uzbekistan and Europe.

What about visas and business?

The signing ceremony of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on October 24 was a major milestone. In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held separate meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. They discussed ways to expand the multi-faceted Uzbekistan–EU partnership, particularly in implementing agreements reached during the April summit in Samarkand. Mirziyoyev also raised the issue of simplifying visa procedures with the EU—a step expected to facilitate business and humanitarian exchanges. So, what does the term “humanitarian visa facilitation” mean? It includes simplifying travel for citizens visiting relatives, students, scholars, cultural representatives, and participants in humanitarian aid, cultural, sports, or religious events. For now, however, labor migration is not part of these discussions.

Additionally, during meetings with executives of leading European companies and financial institutions, both sides agreed to implement new projects worth over €10 billion in energy, chemicals, critical minerals, logistics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. This adds to the existing portfolio of projects worth over €40 billion, raising the total to €50 billion. In essence, Uzbekistan and the European Union have now entered the highest level of cooperation in their shared history.