Quote from Alex bobby on February 1, 2025, 6:18 AM

European Union Strengthens Political and Economic Cooperation with Central Asian Governments, Hopes for Increased Civic Engagement

The European Union (EU) is actively deepening its political and economic ties with Central Asian governments while also aspiring to promote greater civic engagement in the region. These ambitions were prominently discussed at the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum held in Kazakhstan, where representatives from the EU and various civil society organisations gathered to deliberate on the role of civic activism in governance and policymaking.

A Forum for Change

The EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum brought together EU representatives and civil society activists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary focus of the forum was to enhance civil society participation in governance, economic reforms, and political processes. EU officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting independent civil society actors and emphasised their role in fostering transparency, democracy, and human rights.

In his address at the forum, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Aleshka Simkic, underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and civil society groups. He asserted that such cooperation is a crucial factor in advancing regional development. Simkic further noted that the EU’s strategy for Central Asia places special emphasis on strengthening civil society’s role in shaping public policy.

Challenges to Civil Society in Central Asia

While the forum highlighted an increasing participation of civil society in governance and decision-making, the reality remains challenging. Many Central Asian countries continue to impose restrictions on independent organisations, limiting their ability to operate freely. The formation of a truly open civic space in the region is still a work in progress, with significant barriers in place, especially in authoritarian-leaning states.

Turkmenistan, for example, remains one of the most opaque countries when it comes to civil society activities. Reports on grassroots activism or independent organisations within the country are scarce, as state control over civil engagement remains exceedingly tight.

Even Kyrgyzstan, once regarded as the "island of democracy" in Central Asia, has witnessed a significant decline in recent years. The government has increased pressure on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly those receiving foreign funding. This move has sparked concerns about the nation’s trajectory, as it mirrors tactics seen in Russia, where civil society groups are labeled as "foreign agents" and subjected to severe repression. A Kyrgyz activist speaking to Voice of America compared the situation to Russia’s crackdown on independent organisations.

In Tajikistan, the situation is even more alarming. The country is preparing for parliamentary elections in March, yet civil society actors face increasing repression. Over the past year, more than ten activists and journalists have been arrested on charges ranging from attempting a coup to committing treason. These arrests indicate a shrinking space for civic engagement and public discourse.

Kazakhstan: A Complex Host

Kazakhstan, the host nation for the forum, also grapples with significant challenges regarding civic freedoms. Just before the event, a closed-door trial in Almaty sentenced 44 individuals to various prison terms on charges of extremism and attempting to overthrow the government. These individuals were involved in the mass protests of January 2022, known as "Bloody January," which saw thousands take to the streets demanding political reforms. The protests were met with a harsh government crackdown, resulting in over a hundred deaths. Despite repeated calls for an independent international investigation, the Kazakh government has resisted such scrutiny.

The timing of the forum in Kazakhstan raises questions about the country’s commitment to genuine civic engagement, as repression of activists continues even while it seeks closer ties with the EU.

Uzbekistan: Increasing Pressure on Bloggers and Activists

In Uzbekistan, pressure on civil society manifests in different ways, particularly through crackdowns on bloggers and online activists. A recent high-profile case involved the arrest of former MP Qobil Dosov, a vocal critic of the government. Initially sentenced to one year of house arrest for allegedly insulting an Education Ministry official, Dosov’s punishment was later escalated to imprisonment after he was found to have violated his parole by using social media. Such cases highlight the ongoing risks faced by those who seek to influence public opinion and government policy in Uzbekistan.

The EU’s Balancing Act

Despite the clear challenges facing civil society in Central Asia, the EU’s engagement with the region remains largely focused on economic and political cooperation. While the Central Asia Forum highlighted the EU’s support for civil society, there is little indication that human rights concerns will significantly impact its relations with Central Asian governments.

Historically, the EU and the United States have emphasised civil society development, freedom of speech, political liberties, and human rights as key conditions for strengthening ties with Central Asia. However, recent geopolitical shifts, including increasing competition with China and Russia for influence in the region, appear to have led to a softening of pressure on authoritarian governments.

The EU’s balancing act between economic cooperation and human rights advocacy presents a complex diplomatic challenge. While it seeks to maintain stability and build strategic partnerships in the region, questions remain about the extent to which it will push for meaningful democratic reforms.

Conclusion

The EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum has reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to fostering civic engagement and governance reforms in the region. However, the forum also underscored the harsh realities faced by civil society activists, particularly in countries where political repression remains prevalent.

As the EU continues to deepen its ties with Central Asia, it will have to navigate the delicate balance between economic interests and human rights advocacy. Whether its engagement will lead to tangible improvements in civic freedoms remains to be seen, but for now, civil society in the region continues to operate under significant constraints, with only cautious optimism for the future.