The EU Central Asia Strategy — Driving the Future of Young People in Central Asia
Central Asia has a special relevance as a bridge between Europe and Asia. In its Central Asia Strategy, the EU has developed a framework for cooperation with the region as a whole and the five states. The strategy is based on strengthening the resilience of the countries, creating prosperity in a democratic environment, and cooperation among the countries and with the European Union and its member states.
The Central Asian population is very young. In a new study commissioned by the German Foreign Office, the Institut fuer Europaeische Politik illustrates how the implementation of their Central Asian Strategy can contribute to creating prospects for young people within in their home countries. It examines such with regard to education, digitization, the economy and social issues, as well as gender equality and the promotion of democracy. In addition, the study provides recommendations on how Germany can contribute to the implementation of the Central Asia Strategy.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan form the Central Asia region. The former Soviet republics have a clear urban-rural gap. The expectations of a predominantly young population for access to education, participation in digitization and a professional future in the home country are met with limited resources. Good governance and a strengthened youth policy can transform this status. The EU Central Asia Strategy can support governments and all societal actors in opening up better perspectives for young people in Central Asia in their home countries.
Sources:
Study
Policy Paper
Symbolic Image
Project
Contact:
Inga Kjer, Communication Advisor