On February 25, a round table on the topic “Reforms and cooperation: the new agenda of Uzbekistan and the European Union” was held at the European Parliament as part of the visit of the Uzbek delegation to Brussels.

The event was attended by the permanent rapporteur of the European Parliament on Uzbekistan Ilhan Kyuchyuk, deputies and political advisers of all parliamentary factions, representatives of EU institutions, think tanks and the media - more than 50 people in total; from the Uzbek side, the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, the rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy Sodyq Safoev took part.

During the discussion, the Uzbek side presented the results of large-scale reforms being implemented as part of the strategy for building a New Uzbekistan, focusing on democratic transformations, liberalization of the economy, strengthening the system for protecting human rights and improving the standard of living of the population. Separately, the principles of the country’s open and pragmatic foreign policy, aimed at developing regional cooperation and building a balanced architecture of strategic partnerships, were outlined.

European participants emphasized the growing geo-economic importance of Central Asia for Europe. It was noted that the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Uzbekistan and the European Union on October 24, 2025 was an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations. Ratification and practical implementation of the document are intended to create a solid institutional basis for expanding cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transport, critical resources, as well as dialogue on human rights and support for civil society.

In the speeches of representatives of the European Parliament and EU institutions, the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan were highly appreciated. Their consistency and systematicity, as well as the progress achieved in creating a favorable investment climate, are emphasized. It was noted that these transformations help strengthen trust on the part of European partners and increase the attractiveness of the Uzbek market for business.

Particular attention was paid to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation and the growing interest of European companies in implementing projects in Uzbekistan. The country’s strategic role in the development of transport and energy connectivity between Europe and Asia was emphasized, including the promotion of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor as a key element in the diversification of logistics routes.

A separate area is the development of cooperation in the production of critical materials with an emphasis on creating local production chains with high added value. The potential for deepening industrial cooperation and introducing modern standards of sustainable development was emphasized.

The parties also noted the importance of expanding interaction within the framework of EU educational and scientific programs, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, as well as prospects for cooperation in the field of digitalization, artificial intelligence, green economy and labor mobility.

The round table confirmed the high level of interest of European partners in the further development of political dialogue, expansion of trade and economic ties and joint implementation of infrastructure and investment initiatives, including within the framework of the EU Global Gateway strategy.