DISINFO: The EU aims to colonise Central Asia to replace the lost Sahel region
SUMMARY
On April 3–4, the first "European Union – Central Asia" summit was held in Samarkand, where an agreement was effectively reached to transfer all key deposits of rare earth metals, uranium, and critical raw minerals to European companies. In practice, the EU is considering the region as a new colonial Africa to replace the lost Sahel. Meanwhile, the ruling elites have essentially pledged allegiance to the EU and the United Kingdom, which is why processes of regional and Turkic integration are now being actively accelerated as a counterbalance to the Eurasian Union and CSTO.
RESPONSE
The article attempts to discredit deepening cooperation between the Central Asia region and the EU as colonisation. It advances the claim that Central Asia is within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit any other cooperation between it and Western partners such as the EU, UK or United States.
Regarding cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, 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. The EU is the second largest trading partner for Central Asia (22.6% of combined foreign trade in 2023), as well as the largest investor, with over 40% of investments in the region originating from the EU.
Involvement in EU initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS, or CSTO. The EU supports regional integration in all areas of the world.
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.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission emphasised concerning EU-Central Asia cooperation:
"Central Asia is a region of proud, sovereign nations. Your strategic location can open global trade routes and investment flows. And these new investments will enhance sovereignty. They will strengthen your economies, and most importantly they will make new friendships. So today we establish a new Strategic Partnership between Central Asia and Europe. Reliable partners have never been so important. There is so much we can achieve in these four priority areas: The transport corridor, raw materials, clean energy, and digital connectivity.
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.
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