Tashkent-Brussels: a new stage of cooperation with Europe

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived on an official visit to Brussels on October 23.

Belgium, where it is located The capital of the European Union, Brussels, plays a key role in shaping the pan-European policy and economic agenda. Brussels is not only the political center of Europe, but also a platform where the interests of leading international organizations, diplomatic missions and financial institutions intersect. It is here that decisions are made that determine the main direction of development of the EU and its relations with external partners.

The upcoming visit will be a major milestone in the history of bilateral relations and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union. During the visit, it is planned to sign a new comprehensive Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union, which is designed to bring interaction to a qualitatively new level, reflecting the dynamic reforms and foreign policy activity of our country.

Relations with the European Communities began on April 15, 1992 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government Uzbekistan and the EU Commission. On November 16, 1994, diplomatic relations were established, and in 1995 the Embassy of Uzbekistan was opened in Brussels, which also serves as the Mission to the EU. Since 2011, the EU Delegation has been operating in Tashkent.

Over the past period, three visits of the President of the European Council to Uzbekistan took place - in 2019, 2022 and 2025, as well as a visit of the President of the European Commission in 2025.

Uzbekistan takes an active part in the development of cooperation in the “Central Asia – EU” format. On June 2, 2023, in Cholpon-Ata, the President of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the President of the European Council Charles Michel as part of the meeting of leaders of Central Asia and the European Union. The President of Uzbekistan also met with the President of the European Council on September 18, 2023 as part of his participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Subsequent meetings of the President of Uzbekistan and the President of the European Council took place on December 1, 2023 in Dubai and November 12, 2024 in Baku as part of participation in the UN climate summits.

At the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, on April 4, 2025, the first summit “Central Asia - European Union” was held in Samarkand with the participation of Presidents of the European Council and European Commission António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, as well as heads of state of Central Asia. EU leaders also took part in the opening of the Samarkand Climate Forum on April 4, 2025. Following the results of the first “Central Asia – EU” summit, a Joint Declaration was adopted, which announced raising relations to the level of strategic partnership, and a Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation in the field of critical raw materials.

One of the key achievements in the relationship between Uzbekistan and the European Union was the receipt by our country of the status of a beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences "GSP+", which opened access to the European market on preferential terms. This status not only stimulated the growth of Uzbek exports to Europe, but also recognized the country's progress in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment and good governance.

An important mechanism of interaction in the trade and economic sphere is the Subcommittee on Economy, Trade and Investment “Uzbekistan-EU”.

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the EU countries amounted to $6.4 billion. For January-August 2025, this figure amounted to more than $4.5 billion, and the portfolio of projects with European companies reached 30 billion euros.

The strategic partners of Uzbekistan include the corporations Siemens, Linde Group, CLAAS, Airbus, Basf, IDF, Alstom, Total, Orano, OTP Group and others. There are 1,069 enterprises operating in Uzbekistan with the participation of investments from EU countries, including 304 companies with 100% European capital.

The EU consistently supports Uzbekistan's course towards democratic reforms, market reforms and good neighborly relations in the region. Brussels is actively involved in projects to develop energy and transport infrastructure, water resources, digitalization and education in Central Asia, considering Uzbekistan as one of the region’s key partners.

Cooperation with the EU in the cultural and humanitarian sphere also shows growing dynamics. Uzbekistan is one of the active participants in the EU educational program "Erasmus+" for 2021-2027 , and the EU research program "Horizon Europe" for 2021-2027.

The signing of a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU will be a logical continuation of the consistent foreign policy of Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, openness and trust with Europe. The document covers a wide range of areas - from trade and investment to science, technology, culture and environmental protection.

This agreement will become a tool not only for deepening economic ties, but also for expanding political dialogue, ensuring sustainable development and jointly responding to global challenges. It symbolizes the recognition of Uzbekistan as a reliable partner pursuing a predictable, pragmatic and peaceful policy.

During the visit, the head of our state will meet with King Philippe of the Belgians. Belgium is one of the important partners of Uzbekistan in Europe.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium are developing on the basis of mutual respect and trust. In recent years, there has been an intensification of political dialogue, growth in economic contacts and expansion of humanitarian cooperation. There is constructive interaction between the countries in such areas as trade, investment, innovation, green energy, logistics, education, culture and others.

The Belgian side positively assesses the results of reforms carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at liberalizing the economy, strengthening the rule of law, developing civil society and increasing the openness of the state. Brussels welcomes Tashkent's efforts to modernize all spheres of life, emphasizing that reforms contribute to sustainable development and strengthening international confidence in Uzbekistan.

Thus, the upcoming official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Brussels and the signing of a new comprehensive Agreement with the European Union will be a landmark event in the history of Uzbek diplomacy. This step will not only strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in the European direction, but will also serve as a powerful impetus for the further development of cooperation, expansion of trade, attraction of investments, exchange of technologies, innovations and ideas. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe, the center of European and international diplomacy, will become an arena where Europe’s growing trust in Uzbekistan and recognition of its important role in ensuring stability, sustainable development and mutual understanding in Eurasia will be confirmed.

IA “Dunyo”