Central Asia and the EU are strengthening their cooperation on water and energy

Central Asia and its European partners aim to expand their cooperation on water and energy issues. Representatives from several countries and institutions reached this agreement at the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit.

The focus was on the consequences of climate change for the region. Central Asia is particularly hard hit: melting glaciers are altering river courses, more frequent droughts are straining agriculture and hydropower, and risks to energy and food security are increasing.

A panel on economic mechanisms for water and energy cooperation brought together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as international organizations, companies, and civil society actors.

“Given the challenges we face—water, energy, and climate—it is important to pool our efforts and work together,” said Italy’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Francesco Corvaro. He noted that the climate-related pressures are particularly severe in Central Asia.

Focus on Electricity Trade and Regional Grids

A key topic was the expansion of regional electricity trade. This currently accounts for only about 4 percent of consumption. At the same time, according to the World Bank, electricity demand could triple by 2050.

That is why participants discussed a new ten-year program to establish an initial regional electricity market. The goal is to expand transmission capacities, better connect grids, and integrate renewable energy more fully.

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Nurlan Kurmalayev, emphasized that European participation could mobilize additional investments and technologies. “Team Europe’s participation opens up additional opportunities to attract investments and technologies,” he said.

Joint Responses to Shared Risks

The EU also views water and energy issues as closely intertwined. EU Special Representative Eduards Stiprais stated that the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to coordinated solutions.

“Water, energy, and climate are closely linked and require cross-sectoral responses,” said Stiprais. The partners also reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, including stronger measures to mitigate the impacts of and adapt to climate change.

For Central Asia, this is not just about environmental policy. Cooperation on water, energy, and climate is increasingly becoming a matter of regional stability, economic development, and long-term security of supply.