Central Asia and EU deepen water and energy cooperation

Central Asia and European partners want to expand their cooperation on water and energy issues. This was agreed by representatives of several countries and institutions at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. The focus was on the consequences of climate change for the region. Central Asia is particularly hard hit: melting glaciers are changing river courses, more frequent droughts are affecting agriculture and hydropower, and the risks to energy and food security are increasing. A panel on economic mechanisms for water and energy cooperation brought together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as international organizations, companies and civil society actors. "In view of the challenges we face - water, energy and climate - it is important to pool our efforts and work together," said Italy's Special Envoy on Climate Change Francesco Corvaro. The climate-related burdens are particularly great in Central Asia. Focus on electricity trading and regional grids A key topic was the expansion of regional electricity trading. This currently only accounts for around 4 percent of consumption. At the same time, the demand for electricity could triple by 2050 according to the World Bank. The participants therefore discussed a new ten-year program to establish a first regional electricity market. The aim is to expand transmission capacities, better connect grids and integrate renewable energies to a greater extent. Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Nurlan Kurmalayev, emphasized that European participation could mobilize additional investments and technologies. "The participation of Team Europe opens up additional opportunities to attract investments and technologies," he said. Common responses to common risks The EU also sees water and energy issues as closely linked. EU Special Representative Eduards Stiprais explained that the meeting had reaffirmed the joint commitment to coordinated solutions. "Water, energy and climate are closely interlinked and require cross-sectoral responses," said Stiprais. The partners had also confirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, including stronger mitigation and adaptation measures. For Central Asia, this is not just about environmental policy. Cooperation on water, energy and climate is increasingly becoming a question of regional stability, economic development and long-term security of supply. The post Central Asia and EU deepen water and energy cooperation appeared first on ostwirtschaft.de.