Tajikistan, a landlocked and predominantly mountainous nation, is home to a youthful and largely rural population of 10 million. The country's terrain is 93% mountainous, with 34% of its land dedicated to agriculture. It harbors 60% of Central Asia's hydro-resources.
Over the past two decades, Tajikistan has undergone considerable socio-economic reforms that have spurred economic growth. However, it still has the lowest GDP per capita in Central Asia, and 27.4% of its population lives below the national poverty line.
Our partnership
The European Union is committed to supporting Tajikistan's journey towards sustainable development, aligning its efforts with the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2016-2030 and the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in effect since 2010. In 2023, the initiation of negotiations on an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) marked a significant step forward in EU-Tajikistan relations. The EU Strategy on Central Asia of May 2019, the subsequent Council conclusions (June 2019), and the Global Gateway Strategy collectively frame the EU's comprehensive regional engagement strategy.
To facilitate this support, 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 €91 million to its partnership with Tajikistan for the 2021-2024 period. Additionally, Tajikistan benefits from various EU regional programmes and investments facilitated through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the primary financial instrument under the Global Gateway Strategy.
- 8 MARCH 2022
- 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 23 NOVEMBER 2023
- 3 AUGUST 2022
- 16 DECEMBER 2022
- 16 DECEMBER 2021
Our flagship initiatives
- Human development
Focused on securing Tajikistan’s economic independence and long-term resilience, the EU supports technical and vocational education and training. This initiative is vital for the creation of new employment opportunities.
- Inclusive green and digital economy
Aiming to boost green economic growth and strengthen the Tajik job market.
- Water, climate change, and energy
Dedicated to improving integrated water-energy resource management regionally, this initiative promotes food security, decent jobs, and sustainable growth and development in Central Asia, including increased investment for a green transition through a dedicated regional Team Europe Initiative. Specific EU actions in Tajikistan include:
- Energy production: Collaborating with Germany to construct the Sebzor Hydropower Plant, providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the Gorno Badakhshan province and neighboring Afghanistan, thus creating jobs and generating income for local communities.
- Energy sector reform: Assisting Tajikistan in reforming its energy sector to tackle issues such as network losses, uncollected payments, and regulatory challenges that deter private investment and limit cross-border electricity trading.
- Water: Supporting access to drinking water supply and sanitation in rural areas.
- Digital Connectivity
Establishing a supportive environment for digital connectivity, this initiative promotes regulatory and legislative reforms, enhancing last-mile access for vulnerable communities and ensuring cybersecurity, all while upholding high standards of sustainability and inclusiveness through a dedicated regional Team Europe Initiative.
- Transport
The EU is deeply committed to strengthening its engagement for improving transport connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Corridor with Central Asia, including with Tajikistan, following the recommendations of the Study on Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia.