On 25 June, the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Brussels, as an important milestone in the strengthening bilateral relations.
The Agreement will provide a new legal basis for reinforced political dialogue and deepening cooperation in many mutually beneficial areas. These include trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, environment and climate change, as well as rule of law, human rights and civil society. In addition, it enables the strengthening of cooperation in the area of foreign and security policy, including issues of conflict prevention and crisis management, risk reduction, cybersecurity, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control and export control.
The EPCA will create opportunities for cooperation in new areas, such as critical raw materials essential for green and digital transitions.
Through the signing of the EPCA, the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic reaffirm their commitment to the principles and norms of international law, and to strengthen peace, stability, and security on the basis of effective multilateralism. The European Union looks forward to strengthening relations with the Kyrgyz Republic, in all areas of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our citizens, societies and neighbourhoods.
Background
Since 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic has benefitted from unilateral and preferential access to the EU market through the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development (GSP+) of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. The trade and economic relations aspects of the EPCA are complementary with the market access and sustainability commitments offered by the EU's GSP. The Kyrgyz Republic is EU's third trading partner in Central Asia. GSP+ has contributed to an increase in EU – Kyrgyz trade in goods in 2023 by 116% (over 2022) reaching €2.845 billion.
The EPCA will replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 1999.
