At the EU–Central Asia Think Tank Forum held in Tashkent on March 19, 2025, Shairbek Dzhuraev, President of Crossroads Central Asia, contributed to the panel on connectivity with remarks on “Overcoming Bottlenecks in EU–Central Asia Connectivity.” The talk highlighted the shift in how both Central Asia and its partnerships—particularly with the European Union—are evolving. Once perceived as one of the world’s most disconnected regions, Central Asia today is witnessing renewed regional cooperation and a growing role as an economic partner, rather than merely a recipient of aid.
Dzhuraev emphasized that while political momentum and new partnerships are important, infrastructure remains a significant bottleneck to connectivity. The region’s railway network remains a patchwork with limited interoperability, and there is a shortage of integrated logistics hubs and multimodal transport solutions. These logistical gaps make trade routes longer, less predictable, and more expensive. While infrastructure investments are growing, they often fall short of creating seamless, cost-effective corridors. Recognizing and addressing these practical constraints is essential.
At the same time, Dzhuraev argued that infrastructure alone cannot unlock the region’s connectivity potential. He proposed policymakers and practitioners alike need to focus on the “three Ps” that should accompany physical investments: policies, politics, and peace: policy, politics, and peace. Policy-related bottlenecks—such as inconsistent customs procedures, misaligned regulations, and an unpredictable investment climate—undermine the efficiency of existing infrastructure. Harmonized trade and transit rules and a transparent regulatory environment are needed to reduce transaction costs and attract long-term investment.
Political conditions are equally vital. Sustainable connectivity requires stable, rules-based governance rooted in institutions rather than personalities. The region’s political uncertainty, combined with shifting geopolitical dynamics—including the influence of Russia, China, Türkiye, and others—continues to shape connectivity prospects.
Lastly, peace remains the essential foundation. Ongoing instability in neighboring Afghanistan and the disruptions caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine are stark reminders that the absence of peace can leave significant gaps on the region’s connectivity map. Dzhuraev concluded that achieving meaningful and lasting linkages across Central Asia and beyond requires a holistic approach—investing in infrastructure, aligning policies, strengthening institutions, and safeguarding long-term peace.
The Forum was hosted by International Institute for Central Asia (Tashkent) in partnership with the European Neighbourhood Council (Brussels).