Since the EU adopted the strategy in 2007, the Council has been considering its implementation and updates priorities of cooperation each two years. The conclusion of the Council is adopted after discussion of the member states and other countries and organization and outlines new directions of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, the press service of the EU delegation n Uzbekistan said.

In the document, the Council noted significant progress in developing bilateral relations with each of the country and a region as a whole. It noted that there are significant mutual interest in expanding political and economic cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia.

The Council welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Peter Burian as the new EU Special Representative for Central Asia. His role is to act as an important channel of dialogue and communication at the highest level with the central Asian countries, to promote overall Union political coordination in Central Asia and enhance the Union’s effectiveness and visibility in the region, the conclusion reads.

Taking into account growing differences in level of social-economic development among countries of the region and their intention to cooperate with Europe, the EU acknowledges necessity to review balance of regional and bilateral initiatives in some spheres to achieve concrete results and reforms. The regional initiatives will continue and will be flexible and based on demands of the countries. This would increase even further the impact and effectiveness of EU programmes and cooperation frameworks in the coming period.

The Council called for strengthening trade and energy links between the EU and Central Asian countries and reinforcing cooperation on security and stability, including sustainable management of natural resources. It emphasised the fundamental importance of democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and socio-economic development, all of which are essential elements of the Strategy.

The EU budget directed to bilateral and regional cooperation with the Central Asian states in 2014-202 increased by 56% to 1.068 billion euros. The Council stresses the need to improve synergies and coordination between the actions undertaken in the region by the different EU actors, including by individual Member states. The latter should get a more prominent role in the implementation of EU projects, dialogues and platforms and in evaluating their impact and promoting their visibility.