Luxembourg Talks Cement EU–Uzbekistan Commitment to Closer Cooperation

The European Union and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening political and economic cooperation during the 18th EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council, held on October 21, in Luxembourg.

The meeting was chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, with the participation of Commissioner Jozef Síkela, and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, The Caspian Post reports via the European Council's website.

During the meeting, participants reviewed progress in bilateral relations ahead of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) on October 24, 2025 in Brussels. Both sides underlined their shared ambition to strengthen engagement across all areas of mutual interest.

Participants also addressed regional and international issues, including Russian military aggression against Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the South Caucasus. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. The EU reiterated its steadfast support for Ukraine and called for continued vigilance against sanctions circumvention. On Afghanistan, both sides expressed concern about the humanitarian and human-rights situation, especially for women and girls, and agreed on the importance of regional stability and cooperation on counter terrorism.

Discussions covered the Global Gateway flagship projects, and cooperation on trade, investment, connectivity, energy, climate, digitalisation, and critical raw materials. The EU readiness to support sustainable, inclusive growth and closer alignment with international standards. The EU commended Uzbekistan’s achievements in eradicating forced and child labour, while encouraging continued progress on the rule of law, human rights, and gender equality. The EU underlined that full and effective implementation of 27 UN and ILO conventions is an essential component of Uzbekistan’s commitments under the GSP+ scheme. The EU acknowledged Uzbekistan’s progress in opening its market, while encouraging further improvements to ensure fair competition and a fully level playing field for European investors.

The EU and Uzbekistan cooperate under the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Uzbekistan benefits from the EU’s GSP+ scheme and participates in regional programmes such as BOMCA, CADAP, and the Team Europe Initiatives on Water, Energy and Climate as well as on Digital Connectivity. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which is expected to be signed on October 24, 2025 in Brussels, will provide a new framework for the bilateral relations.