EU–Central Asia High-Level Dialogue Reaffirms Commitment to Water, Energy and Climate Cooperation in Central Asia

Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing coordinated responses to interlinked challenges in water security, green energy transition, and climate resilience.

"The High-level meeting in Astana is a further step in enhancing the cooperation between the EU and Central Asia in the area of energy, water and climate following the first EU-Central Asia summit in April 2025. The Team Europe Initiative Water, Energy and Climate is the largest EU initiative in Central Asia and is underpinned by significant investments of 4.8 billion EUR in concrete water, renewables and climate projects. We are proud of the good cooperation with our Central Asian partners to increase water cooperation and to support the green transition of energy systems in the region." - said Eduards Stiprais, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

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The meeting underscored the strategic importance of integrated and regionally coordinated approaches, including sustainable water resources management, the transition to renewable, resilient energy systems, and enhanced climate action. Participants emphasised the need to further strengthen regional and transboundary cooperation and policy coherence across the region.

Participants also highlighted the critical role of mobilising investments and aligning financial instruments with agreed-upon regional priorities to support sustainable and resilient development pathways in Central Asia.

"Strengthening regional cooperation on water, energy, and climate is a strategic priority for advancing a more resilient and sustainable Central Asia", affirmed Francesco Corvaro, Italy's Special Envoy for Climate Change. "Within the Team Europe Initiative, Italy promotes integrated solutions-including nature-based approaches-and supports the alignment of financial instruments to mobilise investments and scale up resilient infrastructure, consistent with the region's shared priorities."

The meeting welcomed the adoption of the Joint Conclusions, which reflect shared strategic priorities and reaffirm the collective commitment of all partners to continued engagement under the Team Europe Initiative.

Background:

The Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change in Central Asia a flagship endeavour under the EU Global Gateway strategy, showcasing the European Union's commitment to addressing critical challenges in the region. Aligned with the broader objectives of the Global Gateway, this initiative represents the EU's contribution of 4.8 bn EUR to narrowing the global investment gap by fostering values-driven, high-standard, and transparent infrastructure partnerships in Central Asia. The initiative strategically focuses on the interrelated issues of water, energy, and climate change, recognising their profound impact on Central Asia's sustainable development. The TEI continues and expands the work of the the EU-Central Asia Platform for Environment and Water Cooperation which was established at the EU-CA High Level Conference in Rome (Italy) in 2009.