The EU Has Identified Priorities for the Trans-Caspian Corridor in Turkmenistan
The EU Special Representative identified specific facilities in need of modernization and demonstrated a deep understanding of the region's logistics.
Tashkent, June 17. The panel session "EU-Central Asia Strategic Partnership" at the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum brought together key players responsible for infrastructure projects in the region. Representatives from the EBRD, the European Investment Bank, the OECD, and major energy and financial corporations will be present in the Bukhara Hall. The moderator is Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews.
The focus is on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This route, linking Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus, has been explored for the past two years as an alternative to traditional supply routes. For the European Union, it is a priority project within the Global Gateway initiative: its development will help diversify transport flows and reduce dependence on northern routes.
One of the session's keynote speakers was Eduards Stiprais, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia. In his speech, he stated that Brussels welcomes Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's steps toward WTO accession—an important signal for investors. However, his position on transport infrastructure generated far more interest.
An Orient correspondent asked which specific actions of Turkmenistan within the Trans-Caspian Corridor the EU supports. In response, Stiprais outlined a detailed roadmap, citing specific points on the map.
"Turkmenistan plays an extremely important role in providing access through the Caspian Sea, connecting with the South Caucasus," the diplomat began. "The port of Turkmenbashi is a key hub. But maritime infrastructure alone is not enough; it is necessary to develop land connections throughout the country. First and foremost, we need to modernize the existing railway network and continue construction of a major highway."
His knowledge of the region's geography was particularly revealing. Stiprais didn't limit himself to generalities, but outlined the exact sections of the route: "The first stage between Ashgabat, Turkmenabat, and the Uzbek border has already been completed. Now we eagerly await the continued expansion of the road network from Ashgabat toward Turkmenbashi."
Thus, the diplomat outlined a specific axis—from the eastern border with Uzbekistan through the center of the country to the Caspian port. This fits neatly into the logic of the Middle Corridor: east—central—Caspian—Caucasus—Europe. Stiprais demonstrated that Brussels is meticulously working out not only the political but also the engineering and logistical aspects.
"This is necessary," he explained, "to ensure transport flows through Turkmenistan, and to ensure that goods ultimately produced in the republic can reach European markets."
For experts, this statement confirmed that the EU views Turkmenistan not as a transit territory, but as a full-fledged participant in the supply chain. The country's geographic location—between the largest consumer (China) and European markets—makes it a key link, and the European diplomat, judging by his response, is well aware of this.
The forum in Tashkent will run until June 19. The panel on Central Asia and the EU was one of the few where strategic statements were accompanied by such detailed mapping. Stiprais's expertise in regional logistics was noted by all those present.
ORIENT
