Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the 2025 Tashkent International Investment Forum, a panel discussion was held focusing on the development of the partnership between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia, as well as the outcomes of the recent summit in Samarkand.

The discussion was moderated by EUROUZ Secretary General Oybek Shaykhov, who, together with participants, explored the EU’s long-term investment relations with the region, placing particular emphasis on Uzbekistan, key investment initiatives in strategically important sectors, and the prospects for their practical implementation. Steffen Richter, Business President of REE Linde, noted a significant improvement in Uzbekistan’s investment climate, which has positively impacted the flow of foreign direct investment into the country.

The panel reviewed the next steps to deepen cooperation, which has been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership following the April “EU–Central Asia” summit in Samarkand.

David Monguzzi, Senior Loan Officer at the European Investment Bank responsible for Central Asia, announced plans to open a regional EIB office in Uzbekistan — a move that underscores the bank’s growing engagement in the region. The agreement to establish this office was signed during the Samarkand summit, opening up new opportunities for financing infrastructure and investment projects.

EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar emphasized that a qualitative shift has taken place in relations between the European Union and Central Asia, driven by internal reforms and transformations in the region. This has made Central Asia increasingly attractive to international partners, including the EU and the United States, both of which are paying growing attention to the region’s strategic importance.

Pierre-Paul Antonissen, CEO of EDF Central Asia, presented the structure of the French energy company and its role in transforming the European energy market. He highlighted the main goals of building an integrated EU electricity market — ensuring access to affordable and competitive electricity, giving consumers the freedom to choose suppliers, and enhancing energy supply reliability. He placed special emphasis on the concept of “interconnectedness” — the full integration of Europe’s energy grids, allowing countries to exchange electricity seamlessly at any time.

According to Antonissen, this model could serve as an inspiration for Central Asian countries. EDF is actively involved in a hydropower generation project in Tajikistan, with the electricity to be fully consumed in Uzbekistan. A joint venture has been established in Dushanbe to manage the project, and close collaboration with the energy ministries of both countries is driving the initiative forward. Antonissen noted that Europe’s experience with interconnected infrastructure could inspire Central Asia to build resilient systems not only in energy, but also in the digital and transport sectors — forming a foundation for the region’s strategic development.

Paul Bourdillon, CEO of Suez for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted Uzbekistan’s strong potential in training skilled professionals for water resource management.

He stressed the importance of developing local expertise in line with international standards, and of sharing know-how for the effective maintenance and modernization of water supply and sewage systems. The company’s primary goal is to create a model water and wastewater management system in Uzbekistan, where both advanced technology and human capital are key to the success of such projects.

Steffen Richter also remarked that Uzbekistan is undergoing large-scale government reforms and a successful transformation, opening up vast opportunities for investors.

The event served as a vital platform for shaping and discussing a new phase in EU–Central Asia engagement, laying out strategic priorities for cooperation beyond 2025.