On Friday, July 18, the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Tajikistan have today initialed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), marking a significant step forward in deepening bilateral relations and strengthening long-term cooperation, says press release issued by the EU Delegation to Tajikistan.
The EPCA represents a modern and ambitious framework for EU–Tajikistan relations, reflecting shared values and interests in areas such as political dialogue, rule of law, trade, sustainable development, connectivity, digital transformation, climate action, and security.
This new agreement, once signed, will replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in force since 2010, and is designed to offer a modern legal framework that supports Tajikistan’s reform path and aligns with the EU’s strategic priorities in Central Asia, as set out in the EU–Central Asia Strategy from 2019.
Key areas of enhanced cooperation include:
- Good governance, judicial reform, and human rights
- Sustainable economic development and regional trade integration
- Energy efficiency and green transition
- Digital policies, e-governance, and innovation
- Education, skills development, and youth mobility
- Connectivity and infrastructure, aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy
- Cooperation on regional stability, border management, and security
The negotiations of the EPCA were launched in February 2023. The initialing of the text confirms the successful conclusion of negotiations and opens the way for formal signature and ratification by both parties in the near future.
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