DISINFO: EU considers Central Asia only as a source of raw minerals
SUMMARY
Recently during the EU–Central Asia summit, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasised that Europe needs rare earth metals from the region. At the same time, it is evident that cooperation between the Central Asian state and the EU implies solidifying Kazakhstan’s role as a source for raw materials for the European economy.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the European Union and international cooperation as foreign interference.
The first Central Asia-European Union Summit held in Samarkand, on the 3rd April 2025, reaffirmed the shared commitment of Central Asia and the EU to a strategic partnership built on common values and interests. Central Asia’s strategic location can open global trade routes and investment flows, that will enhance region’s sovereignty. However, Russia perceives these independent actions by sovereign Central Asian states as a threat to what it considers its ‘sphere of influence’, aggressively targeting these international exchanges and trying to discredit them by baselessly portraying them as part of a plot against Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission emphasised concerning cooperation on critical raw materials that:
"Your countries are endowed with immense resources. These raw materials are the lifeblood of the future global economy. Yet they are also a honeypot for global players. Some are only interested in exploiting and extracting. Europe's offer is different. We also want to be your partners in developing your local industries. The added value has to be local. Together, we could build local industries right along the raw materials value chain. From mining to refining. From opening new research labs, to training local workers. We want to build a long-term partnership. Because your strategic autonomy on raw materials is our strategic interest.
...This Partnership shows you can rely on the EU. Working together we can cultivate closer relations which benefit both our regions".
The Joint Declaration following the Summit concluded that, among many areas of shared interest, enhanced cooperation on critical raw materials is of strategic importance, aimed at ensuring secure, sustainable, and diversified supply chains. The parties agreed that the Declaration of Intent endorsed at this Summit will deepen cooperation in this field, strengthen economic resilience, promote mutual prosperity, and facilitate the transition to a green and digital economy.
Regarding this cooperation, the EU bases its cooperation with its partners on shared values, principles and goals. The EU-Central Asia strategy outlines three priority strands for EU engagement: investing in regional cooperation and partnering for resilience and prosperity.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims The EU considers Central Asia only as a tool to extract resources and harm Russia, that The EU aims to colonise Central Asia to replace the lost Sahel region, that EU Resolution on Central Asia: critical materials for LGBT agenda, that the EU is buying up Kazakhstan, that the UK wants to open a new anti-Russia front in Central Asia; that Borrell admitted that the West relies on Kazakhstan’s support in anti-Russia blockade; that West tries to force Kazakhstan to join anti-Russian sanctions policy; that the EU uses the CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military.