BRUSSELS- UNS: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Brussels on an official visit.
Belgium,the capital of the European Union – Brussels, plays a key role in shaping pan-European policy and the economic agenda. Brussels is not only the political center of Europe but also a hub where the interests of leading international organizations, diplomatic missions, and financial institutions converge. It is here that decisions are made which define the main directions of the EU’s development and its relations with external partners.
This visit marks a pivotal milestone in the history of bilateral relations and cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union. During the visit, the signing of a new Comprehensive Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union is planned. This agreement is designed to elevate cooperation to a qualitatively new level, reflecting the dynamic reforms and proactive foreign policy of Uzbekistan.
The foundation for relations with the European Communities was laid on April 15, 1992, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the Commission of the European Communities. Diplomatic relations were established on November 16, 1994, and in 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan was opened in Brussels, which also serves as the Mission to the European Union. Since 2011, a Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan has been operating in Tashkent.
Over the past years, three visits by the President of the European Council to Uzbekistan have taken place in 2019, 2022, and 2025, as well as a visit by the President of the European Commission in 2025.
Uzbekistan actively participates in developing cooperation within the “Central Asia – European Union” format. On June 2, 2023, in Cholpon-Ata, President Mirziyoyev held a meeting with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on the sidelines of the meeting of the leaders of Central Asia and the European Union. He also met with the President of the European Council on September 18, 2023, during his participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Subsequent meetings took place on December 1, 2023, in Dubai, and on November 12, 2024, in Baku, during the UN Climate Summits.
At the initiative of President Mirziyoyev, the first “Central Asia – European Union” Summit was held in Samarkand on April 4, 2025, with the participation of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the heads of state of Central Asia. The EU leaders also took part in the opening of the Samarkand Climate Forum on the same day. Following the first “Central Asia – EU” Summit, a Joint Declaration was adopted, announcing the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership, as well as a Declaration of Intent on deepening cooperation in the field of critical raw materials.
One of the key achievements in Uzbekistan–EU relations has been the country’s attainment of beneficiary status under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which provides preferential access to the European market. This status has not only stimulated the growth of Uzbek exports to Europe but has also served as recognition of the country’s progress in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and good governance.
An important mechanism for interaction in trade and economic spheres is the Uzbekistan–EU Subcommittee on Economy, Trade, and Investment.
In 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with EU countries amounted to $6.4 billion. From January to August 2025, this figure exceeded $4.5 billion, and the portfolio of projects with European companies reached €30 billion.
Uzbekistan’s strategic partners include corporations such as Siemens, Linde Group, CLAAS, Airbus, BASF, EDF, Alstom, Total, Orano, and OTP Group. There are 1,069 enterprises operating in Uzbekistan with investments from EU member states, including 304 companies with 100% European capital.
The European Union consistently supports Uzbekistan’s course towards democratic transformation, market reforms, and good-neighborly relations in the region. Brussels is actively involved in projects for the development of energy, transport infrastructure, water resources, digitalization, and education in Central Asia, viewing Uzbekistan as one of the region’s key partners.
Cooperation with the EU in the cultural and humanitarian sphere also demonstrates growing dynamism. Uzbekistan is an active participant in the EU’s educational program Erasmus+ (2021-2027) and the EU’s research program Horizon Europe (2021-2027).
The signing of the new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU will be a logical continuation of Uzbekistan’s consistent foreign policy aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, openness, and trust with Europe. The document covers a wide range of areas from trade and investment to science, technology, culture, and environmental protection.
This agreement will serve not only as a tool for deepening economic ties but also for expanding political dialogue, ensuring sustainable development, and jointly addressing global challenges. It symbolizes the recognition of Uzbekistan as a reliable partner pursuing a predictable, pragmatic, and peaceful policy.
During the visit, the Head of State will meet with King Philippe of the Belgians. Belgium is one of Uzbekistan’s important partners in Europe.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium are developing on the basis of mutual respect and trust. In recent years, there has been an intensification of political dialogue, growth in economic contacts, and expansion of humanitarian cooperation. The countries maintain constructive interaction in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, green energy, logistics, education, and culture.
The Belgian side positively assesses the results of reforms carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at liberalizing the economy, strengthening the rule of law, developing civil society, and increasing transparency and openness of the state. Brussels welcomes Tashkent’s efforts to modernize all spheres of life, emphasizing that these reforms contribute to sustainable development and strengthen international trust in Uzbekistan.
Thus, the upcoming official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Brussels and the signing of the new Comprehensive Agreement with the European Union will be a landmark event in the history of Uzbek diplomacy. This step will not only strengthen Uzbekistan’s position on the European track but will also serve as a powerful impetus for the further development of cooperation, expansion of trade, attraction of investments, and exchange of technologies, innovations, and ideas. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and Europe, a center of European and international diplomacy, will become the stage where Europe’s growing trust in Uzbekistan and the recognition of its important role in ensuring stability, sustainable development, and mutual understanding in Eurasia will be confirmed.
