Executive Summary
This report examines the emerging partnership between France and Uzbekistan, focusing on its implications for economic growth, regional stability, and cultural exchange. With both countries working together, the report focuses on key cooperative efforts in trade, infrastructure, and education.
France and Uzbekistan seek to meet modern challenges and elevate their influence in Central Asia’s dynamic geopolitical landscape by cultivating a robust, mutually beneficial partnership.
Background Information
The recent state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France on 11-12 March 2025 marked a new pivotal moment in the European Union’s increasing engagement with Central Asia.
The strategic partnership agreement signed between France and Uzbekistan highlights the EU’s growing interest in the region, aligning with Italy’s deepening relations with Kazakhstan. These initiatives, which focus on economic cooperation, energy security, and cultural exchanges, contribute to broader European activity in Central Asia.
The upcoming EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand on April 3-4, 2025, will be a key event in strengthening political dialogue and fostering regional collaboration.
Geopolitical Scenario
Central Asia holds significant geopolitical relevance because of its vast natural resources, its key transit location between Europe and Asia, and its developing regional dynamics. Historically, under the influence of Russia and China, the region is now expanding its international partnerships.
The EU has intensified its presence, motivated by energy security concerns, economic stability, and regional cooperation. The latest diplomatic efforts by France and Italy illustrate a concerted European approach aimed at securing long-term influence and economic footholds in a region gaining prominence on the global stage.
During the meeting in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev finalised a strategic partnership, covering multiple sectors:
- Political and diplomatic alignment, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, strengthening ties within international organisations such as the UN and the OSCE, and prioritising human rights and governance.
- Major economic agreements worth €5 billion, targeting infrastructure, transportation, and energy projects.
- A uranium mining project involving France’s Orano and Uzbekistan’s Navoiyuran, with an expected output of 700 metric tons of uranium annually.
- Defense and security cooperation, including counterterrorism, hybrid threats, and transnational crime, specifically targeting narcotics, arms, and human trafficking.
- Cultural and educational initiatives, such as the launch of the Uzbek-French University and the expansion of French language education in Uzbekistan.
- Environmental and sustainability projects, particularly in energy transition, water management, and climate resilience, focusing on the ecological recovery of the Aral Sea region.
- The establishment of the Uzbek-French Investment Council, a new platform aimed at boosting economic cooperation and joint business ventures. The Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister will co-chair this council, with the first meeting occurring in June 2025 at the Tashkent International Investment Forum.
- Involvement of major French corporations, including SUEZ, Veolia, Total, EDF, Voltalia, the above mentioned Orano, Meridiam, Saint-Gobain, Schneider Electric, Airbus, Alstom, and Technip Energies, reflecting strong interest in Uzbekistan’s market and its economic reforms.
Alongside France, Italy has expanded its strategic relationship with Kazakhstan, emphasizing energy partnerships, trade, and infrastructure development. These efforts align with the broader EU policy to diversify energy sources and enhance economic ties with Central Asian economies.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has highlighted the importance of structured, long-term interest in Central Asia to support stability, investment, and access to vital resources. The growing number of bilateral agreements between EU nations and Central Asian states indicates a coordinated European approach aimed at securing long-term economic and diplomatic influence while counterbalancing Russian and Chinese role in the region.
Scenario Analysis
Next month’s EU-Central Asia Summit represents a milestone in Europe’s strengthening standing with the region. The summit will bring together leaders from the EU and Central Asian countries to address key topics, such as:
- Political cooperation and diplomatic alignment.
- Expansion of economic and trade partnerships.
- Security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts.
- Sustainable development and climate initiatives.
The summit marks a shift from isolated bilateral agreements to a more cohesive EU-Central Asia strategy. Discussions will probably focus on deepening political dialogue, reinforcing trade relations, and enhancing regional security cooperation to tackle shared challenges, such as climate change, economic instability, and digital connectivity. The event will also consolidate existing partnerships and lay the groundwork for future agreements, shaping EU-Central Asia relations in the years ahead.
The role of major French corporations underscores a growing private-sector commitment to Uzbekistan’s economic development. Additionally, Italy’s strengthening ties with Kazakhstan illustrate how EU member states are strategically diversifying their presence in the region. These developments point toward a long-term EU investment strategy in Central Asia, with the goal of ensuring regional stability.
Conclusions
The EU’s actions in Central Asia are not merely diplomatic manoeuvres, but integral to a comprehensive, sustained strategy for securing economic, energy, and geopolitical stability in the region. Through deepening partnerships with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian nations, the EU aims to diversify its energy sources, reduce reliance on single suppliers, and create a more stable economic environment.
Beyond trade and investment, Central Asia’s strategic location along the Europe-Asia corridor provides further incentives for European economic involvement. At a geopolitical level, the EU’s growing presence serves as a counterweight to Moscow and Beijing influence, ensuring that Central Asian nations remain balanced players in global affairs.
As the EU-Central Asia Summit comes closer, diplomatic and economic engagements will acquire further momentum, reinforcing the EU’s position as a key stakeholder in the region and shaping the future trajectory of Europe-Central Asia cooperation.
Author: Matteo Meloni
*Cover picture: A view of Tashkent (Credits: Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay)
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