EU, Tajikistan Chart New Course for Stronger Partnership at Brussels Meeting

The EU and Tajikistan have held their 11th Cooperation Council meeting in Brussels, bringing together top diplomats to discuss the future of their expanding partnership.

The talks were chaired by Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, representing EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, according to the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.

The agenda was packed: political and socio-economic developments, trade and investment, energy security, and major regional and global issues. Both sides highlighted steady progress in relations-especially the initialing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Dushanbe in July 2025, which is set to significantly broaden cooperation once formally signed.

Discussions also focused on energy, water, climate change, digital connectivity, transport corridors, and critical raw materials under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Officials reviewed progress on the Joint Roadmap adopted in 2023 and welcomed the elevation of EU-Central Asia ties to a strategic partnership at the landmark 2025 Samarkand Summit.

Governance and human rights were also central to the meeting. The EU urged Tajikistan to strengthen protections for fundamental freedoms, ensure space for civil society, and address concerns about pressure on journalists and activists. Brussels reiterated the importance of accountability for the 2022 events in GBAO and called for stronger efforts to prevent torture, improve prison conditions, and promote gender equality.

The EU stressed that rule of law and transparent reforms are essential for boosting investor confidence and ensuring Tajikistan’s long-term development. It reaffirmed support for the country’s reform agenda and welcomed ongoing initiatives in the energy, environmental, and water sectors-calling on Tajikistan to follow through on its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Regional security was another key theme, with discussions touching on Afghanistan and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The EU invited Tajikistan to uphold international law by supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and preventing sanctions evasion, while acknowledging Tajikistan’s important role in global water diplomacy and climate issues through the UN.

The meeting closed with a strong commitment from both sides to deepen cooperation and accelerate progress across all priority areas.