This article examines the historical development of cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia during 2007–2013. It traces the evolution of EU–Kyrgyz relations from the establishment of bilateral ties in the early 1990s and the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the adoption of a more comprehensive regional approach in 2007. The study analyses the principal objectives, mechanisms, and priority areas of cooperation within the Strategy, including human rights, the rule of law, good governance and democratisation, education, economic development and trade, energy and transport, environmental sustainability and water management, regional security, border management, and intercultural dialogue. Particular attention is given to EU assistance programmes and instruments, including TACIS, the Development Cooperation Instrument, BOMCA, CADAP, TRACECA, and INOGATE, as well as financial support provided to Kyrgyzstan.
The article argues that the 2007 Strategy marked an important transformation in EU–Kyrgyz relations by gradually shifting their interaction from a predominantly donor–recipient model towards a broader partnership framework. At the same time, it identifies limitations affecting the effectiveness of cooperation, particularly insufficient coordination, bureaucracy, corruption, and the lack of effective mechanisms for assessing practical results. The study concludes that sustainable EU–Kyrgyz cooperation depends on continued political dialogue, democratic and economic reforms, effective coordination of joint initiatives, and stronger regional cooperation aimed at addressing common security, economic, environmental, and development challenges.
MOMOSHEVA N.
Сandidate of historical sciences, associate professor, Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National university, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
E-mail: nazira.momosheva@knu.kg, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3028-1934
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