Countries in Central Asia are in most cases rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, which could help the EU diversify its energy supply, while also having a significant potential to achieve greater energy efficiency and increase energy production from renewable sources.
Recognising this potential, the EU has activated channels for energy cooperation by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, which are periodically followed up through bilateral consultations.
At regional level energy cooperation is also put forward via the EU Strategy for Central Asia, including through synergies with other international bodies and institutions (IFIs, IRENA, International Energy Charter etc.).
The EU also cooperates with 11 partner countries from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus in the regional energy programme EU4Energy. The program continues the work of the former INOGATE program and aims to help all partners reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports, improve security of supply, and fight climate change. Central Asia countries benefit from works on data, statistics and policy recommendations which are carried out by the International Energy Agency.