On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which replaces the original Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) from 1996. This agreement marks a significant step in the further development of bilateral relations.
Key aspects of the new agreement
The EPCA comprises 9 sections, 356 articles and 14 annexes. It covers a wide range of areas that are central to future cooperation. In particular, the agreement will redefine the following priorities:
- Trade and investment
- Sustainable development
- Science and education
- Innovation and high technology
- Environment and climate change
- Rule of law, human rights and civil society
Security and foreign policy: new priorities
Another key element of the agreement is the strengthening of cooperation in foreign and security policy. In particular, this involves:
- Conflict prevention and crisis management
- Risk reduction
- Cyber security
- Promotion of regional stability
- Disarmament, arms control and export control
New opportunities through cooperation on critical raw materials
The agreement also opens up new prospects in areas that are crucial for the green and digital transition, such as cooperation on critical raw materials. These resources are essential for the development of sustainable technologies and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Improving regional connectivity
Another important aspect of the EPCA is the promotion of regional connectivity, particularly through initiatives such as the Global Gateway Initiative and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. These projects aim to improve infrastructure and optimise trade routes between Europe and Central Asia.
WTO accession and market access
Negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO are to be pushed forward. The aim is to finalise accession at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2026. In this context, Uzbekistan would like to introduce maximum tariffs for the import and export of goods, among other things. This is particularly relevant for European companies, as WTO accession usually goes hand in hand with clearer rules on customs procedures, market access, trade policy transparency and non-discrimination.
Uzbekistan has been an APS+ beneficiary under the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences since April 2021. This status continues to grant Uzbek exports unilateral, preferential access to the EU market. The trade and economic policy provisions of the EPCA support and extend these benefits by placing Uzbek market access and sustainability commitments on a more stable legal footing.
