In an interview with Daryo, European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas talks about the game-changing transformations unfolding in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia. This marked his second visit to Central Asia, emphasizing the region's pivotal role in fostering stability and reform amid a global backdrop characterized by geopolitical complexities and uncertainties. In addition, Vice President Schinas met with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on January 16 to discuss on the continuous expansion of the multilateral partnership between Uzbekistan and the EU.

Schinas commended Central Asia for exhibiting consistent and sustained positive changes, making it a beacon of stability and reform. In a world grappling with darkness and instability, the Vice-President underscored the significance of Central Asia as a source of positive transformation. He expressed the European Union's keen interest in being an active participant in this positive change and serving as a catalyst for progress across all five countries in the region.

"Central Asia offers an area of stability, I would say, and reform. And for us in the European Union, this is a wonderful thing to see. And we want to engage," Vice-President Schinas stated.

During his comprehensive tour, the first by a commissioner to visit all five Central Asian countries in one go, Schinas highlighted the EU's commitment to fostering stronger ties with the region. He referred to the visit as a step toward a meaningful rapprochement between the European Union and Central Asia.

Addressing the evolving dynamics among the Central Asian nations, Schinas noted a clear convergence across the policy spectrum. The countries, he observed, recognize the benefits of coordination and cooperation, particularly in areas such as border delimitation, resource management, climate change, and connectivity. This growing unity among Central Asian nations, Schinas emphasized, enhances the effectiveness of the EU's engagement with the region.

"If our partners in this part of the world work together, well, that makes the bloc a much more appropriate interlocutor of the European Union," Schinas noted.

One noteworthy development highlighted by Vice-President Schinas was the upcoming EU-Central Asia summit scheduled for April. Set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the summit is poised to be a historic event, symbolizing a new era of cooperation between the EU and Central Asia. Schinas expressed his delight at this positive step, showcasing the EU's commitment to fostering a deeper partnership with the region.

In discussing Uzbekistan's potential, Schinas acknowledged the country's status as a success story within the Central Asian league. He praised Uzbekistan's young and growing population, citing its intelligence and the vast potential for collaboration with EU projects to further propel the country's development. The vice president recognized Uzbekistan's rich resources and reform-minded approach, emphasizing the remarkable progress witnessed during his visits in November 2021 and the subsequent months.

About Margaritis Schinas: Vice-President of the European Commission

Margaritis Schinas, of Greek nationality, has an impressive career within the European Commission. Holding the position of Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life since 2019, he has been a key figure in coordinating the Commission's work on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, ensuring coherence in the external and internal dimensions of migration.

Schinas has also played a vital role in developing pathways to legal migration for integration into the job market and society, as well as coordinating the Commission's efforts in building a European Security Union. His responsibilities extend to strengthening prevention, detection, and response measures to hybrid threats and leading the Commission's dialogue on inclusion and building a genuine Union of equality and diversity.

With a wealth of experience dating back to his diplomatic roles and academic achievements, Margaritis Schinas stands at the forefront of shaping EU policies on migration, security, education, and cultural integration.

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