Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked lower-middle-income nation, has the most liberal and open political system in Central Asia, despite facing recurrent periods of political and social instability over the last two decades.
Its mountainous topography makes Kyrgyzstan particularly vulnerable to climate change. The country has experienced mean temperature changes that exceed global averages, resulting in glacier melt, shifts in rainfall patterns, and increased drought occurrences.
Our partnership
The European Union is committed to supporting Kyrgyzstan's journey towards sustainable development, aligning its efforts with the country's National Development Strategy 2018-2040, alongside the Global Gateway Strategy and the EU Strategy for Central Asia.
To this end, the EU has established a Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the 2021-2027 period under the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). Within this framework, the EU has allocated €62 million in grant funding to support its partnership with Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan also benefits from a number of EU regional programmes and from investments under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), which serves as the principal financial mechanism of the Global Gateway Strategy.
- 8 MARCH 2022
- 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 17 JULY 2024
- 3 AUGUST 2022
- 17 DECEMBER 2021
Our flagship initiatives
- Education
This initiative seeks to ensure a greater number of children reach at least a minimum proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). It strives to eradicate gender bias in new teaching and learning materials, incorporate children with disabilities into the learning process, and increase the quantity of teachers and students proficient in digital skills and media literacy. Additionally, the initiative promotes the development of green skills by implementing systematic green skills training for both teachers and students.
- Green economy
The goal is to promote green practices and capacities among policymakers, producers and consumers, together with Germany and Switzerland.
- Water, climate change and energy
This initiative aims to improve regional integrated water-energy resource management, promote food security, create decent employment opportunities, and stimulate growth and sustainable development across Central Asia. Additionally, it focuses on boosting investments to facilitate a green transition, supported by a dedicated regional Team Europe Initiative. Specifically, Kyrgyzstan will benefit from a specific EU action dedicated to integrated water resource management.
- Digital connectivity
This initiative aims to foster an enabling environment for digital connectivity by advocating for regulatory and legislative reforms, enhancing last-mile access for vulnerable communities, and bolstering cybersecurity. It aims to adhere to higher standards of sustainability and inclusiveness, facilitated by a dedicated regional Team Europe Initiative. This initiative builds on the existing EU-Kyrgyzstan cooperation in digitalisation.
- Transport
The European Union is dedicated to strengthening its engagement to improving transport connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Corridor with Central Asia, including engagements with Kyrgyzstan. This initiative aligns with the recommendations provided by the Study on Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia.