On 12 June 2025, the Jean Monnet module European Integration and Course for Central Asia (EICCA) project coordinated by the Institute of Economy and Trade of TSUC hosted a hybrid international conference titled “Strategic Partnership Between the European Union and Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities”, which was organised in collaboration with the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in Tajikistan.
The conference was an incredible success, bringing together an impressive 50+ participants from Europe and Central Asia. We were thrilled to play host to representatives from France, Turkey, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, along with representatives from multiple higher education institutions in Tajikistan.
It was so inspiring to hear Ms. Diana Dimova, Programme Manager for the Education Sector at the EU Delegation in Tajikistan and Dr. Mohbonu Nakhatzoda, Coordinator of NEO Tajikistan, to kick off the welcome remarks. Both speakers emphasised the growing importance of academic cooperation as a pillar of EU–Central Asia relations, which is fantastic news!
We were delighted to have Eldaniz Gusseinov from Ibn Haldun University in Turkey deliver the keynote address, as the original keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Chiara Pierobon (European University Viadrina, Germany), was unfortunately unable to attend. In his speech, which was very well received, the speaker gave the following title to the address: “EU–Central Asia Relations and the Samarkand Summit: Investing in Partnership, Connecting People” Mr Gusseinov explored the EU’s strategic positioning in Central Asia, particularly in the context of competing global powers and shifting geopolitical alignments.
In the subsequent academic session, Professor Srdjan Redzepagic from the Université Côte d’Azur, France presented a paper about European Integrations and Perspectives for the Future. In his speech, Professor Redzepagic argued for a re-evaluation of the transformative power of European integration. In particular, he examined how internal EU developments influence its external engagement with neighbouring regions such as Central Asia.
Associate Professor Marko Tomljanović (University of Rijeka, Croatia) explored the EU Enlargement Policy through the lens of the Western Balkans, offering valuable insights into how enlargement dynamics can inform Central Asia’s evolving relationship with the EU, particularly regarding institutional adaptation and policy convergence.
Associate Professor Miryakub T. Xaydarov of the National University of Uzbekistan delivered a presentation on the subject of “The Benefits of Integration Among Central Asian Countries in the Process of Cooperation with the European Union.” He advocated for enhanced regional coordination in Central Asia to ensure effective engagement with EU development instruments and policy dialogues.
Associate Professor Jildiz Nicharapova from the American University of Central Asia of the Kyrgyz Republic presented a comprehensive overview of the EU and Kyrgyzstan Strategic Partnership. The presentation focused on diplomatic cooperation, EU assistance programmes, and Kyrgyzstan’s positioning in regional connectivity initiatives supported by the EU.
The academic presentations were concluded by Assoc. Prof. Dalerjon Mirpochoev, Vice-Rector of IET TSUC, who delivered a presentation on “Human Capital, Education and Mobility: Soft Power as a Strategic Tool of the EU in Central Asia.” The speaker placed particular emphasis on the significance of education and the promotion of youth mobility as pivotal catalysts for fostering enduring EU–CA relations. In this regard, he underscored the pivotal role of initiatives such as the Erasmus+ programme and the Jean Monnet projects, including the EICCA.
The event concluded with a panel discussion that offered valuable insights, skilfully facilitated by Saidqosim Mukhtorov, EICCA Coordinator. The speakers participated in a thought-provoking exchange, exploring the exciting opportunities and challenges of deepening regional integration in Central Asia. The panelists agreed that the European integration is possibly the best lesson to learn and adjust the steps towards the potential Central Asian integration, as the starting points could be very similar to what EU did in the past, like applying integrated approach to some common issues. They also explored the pivotal role of the EU as a strategic partner in this process, which added a touch of international depth to the discussion.
This conference was a huge success for EICCA, as it marked a significant milestone: the first Jean Monnet Module was implemented in Tajikistan! This fantastic achievement really underlines EICCA’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue and mutual understanding between the EU and Central Asia.
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