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By Eldor Tulyakov-еxecutive Director, Development Strategy Centre, Uzbekistan

On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA)—a comprehensive framework that culminates negotiations launched in February 2019 and initialled in July 2022. More than a ceremonial milestone, the EPCA codifies a strategic upgrade in our relationship with the EU. It is broad in scope—nine titles, 356 articles, and 14 annexes—and practical in ambition: to align our cooperation with the realities of a rapidly changing world economy while reinforcing the rule-of-law foundations of sustainable development at home.

The agreement’s timing is revealing. Uzbekistan’s recent balanced, multi-vector foreign policy and people-centred reforms—strengthening the rule of law, expanding public administration openness, and advancing market reforms—have laid the necessary groundwork. These steps in human rights and governance have increased international confidence, enabling a rules-based partnership with Europe.

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The European vector of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is aimed at expanding the geography of its partnerships and deepening cooperation across all mutually beneficial areas. In this context, relations with Serbia stand out for their consistency, mutual respect, and the sustained interest of both sides in strengthening collaboration.

The history of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Serbia spans three decades. Over this period, the two states have steadily reinforced political dialogue, expanded economic contacts, and intensified cultural and humanitarian exchanges. While Belgrade views Uzbekistan as a key partner in Central Asia, Tashkent regards Serbia as an important bridge to European markets.

It is noteworthy that political cooperation between the two countries is developing on the basis of equality, mutual trust, and respect.

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Amid growing water scarcity and climate instability in Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Finland are implementing a unique form of scientific cooperation that combines digital innovation with sustainable water resource management.

In 2021, the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at the rational development of natural resources through advanced technologies. Today, this project stands as an example of scientific diplomacy that unites European expertise with Uzbekistan’s potential.

From Paper Maps to Digital Models.

For many years, hydrogeological maps of Uzbekistan existed only in paper form. Within the framework of the joint project, they were digitized using the ArcGIS platform, creating a unified national groundwater database. This digital transformation enables specialists to monitor aquifer conditions,

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Historical Background

The history of Uzbek - Finnish relations dates back to the early 1990s, when Finland became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan - on 30 December 1991. Just two months later, on 26 February 1992, diplomatic relations were officially established, marking the beginning of a new chapter based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to technological progress.

The first high-level visits in 1992 laid the foundation for political dialogue. During that year, Uzbekistan took part in the signing ceremonies of the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. In October of the same year, Finnish President Mauno Koivisto paid an official visit to Tashkent, further consolidating the partnership. Since then, cooperation between the two countries has developed steadily across political and economic spheres.

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Introduction: The Significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly

The participation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this September held profound political and historic significance not only for our country but for the entire region. Speaking from this prestigious platform, which gathers heads of state from across the globe, Uzbekistan raised critical issues including sustainable development, combating climate change, ensuring food security, and the efficient management of water resources.

Through his address at the United Nations, a premier global institution, our President further solidified Uzbekistan’s international standing and reputation as a proactive and responsible state. Notably, by showcasing the ecological and innovative initiatives being implemented in the Aral Sea region,