Press release – YCA

29/03/2021

The EU Central Asia Strategy - Driving the Future of Young People in Central Asia

Berlin – 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, based on strengthening the resilience of the countries, creating prosperity in a democratic environment and cooperation between the countries and with the European Union as well as its member states.

The Central Asian population is very young. In a new study commissioned by the German Foreign Office, the Institut für Europaeische Politik illustrates how the implementation of the EU Central Asia Strategy can help to create prospects for young people in Central Asia in their home countries. It examines this in particular with a focus on education, digitalisation, the economy and social issues, as well as gender issues and the promotion of democracy. Furthermore, 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 are characterised by a strong urban-rural divide. The expectations of a predominantly young population for access to education, participation in digitalisation and a professional future at home meet limited resources. Good governance and strengthening youth policies can change this situation. The EU Central Asia Strategy can support governments and all societal actors in opening up better prospects for young people in Central Asia in their home countries.