BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The European
Investment Bank (EIB) considers 2025 a breakthrough year for
cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, marked by expanded
financing and a stronger institutional presence in the region, EIB
Head of Division for the region Edvardas Bumsteinas told Trend.
"The European Investment Bank (EIB), as the financial arm of the
European Union, is owned by the 27 EU Member States and plays a
pivotal role in advancing EU policy objectives, both within Europe
and internationally," Bumsteinas remarked.
He further highlighted that the Bank has set an ambitious
financing target of 100 billion euros by 2025, aimed at supporting
key EU priorities such as climate action, clean energy, sustainable
water management, innovation, connectivity, and securing access to
critical raw materials.
In this context, Bumsteinas emphasized that "2025 will serve as
a watershed moment for the EU’s engagement in Central Asia, with
the EIB at the forefront of implementing this vision." He pointed
out that the Bank has significantly broadened its footprint in the
region through new financing agreements totaling 365 million euros,
which are expected to leverage up to 1 billion euros in investments
across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These
efforts are strategically focused on sustainable transport, digital
connectivity, water management, and enhancing climate resilience,
with many projects benefiting from EU budgetary guarantees.
Bumsteinas also underscored the institutional strides made,
stating, "We have made substantial progress in negotiating a
framework agreement with Turkmenistan, which lays the groundwork
for future EIB operations in the country." He added that the
appointment of Olivier Kueny as Head of the EIB’s Regional
Representation for Central Asia, along with the announcement of the
first regional office opening in Tashkent in 2026, signals the EU's
steadfast and long-term commitment to the region.
