The European Union, working alongside several international financial institutions, unveiled a major new phase of investment aimed at Central Asian hydropower during the Global Gateway Forum held in Brussels on October 9–10, 2025. The primary focus of this significant capital injection is providing crucial support for the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) in Kyrgyzstan. This project is deemed pivotal for guaranteeing the region's long-term energy and water stability.
High-level representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan attended the forum, culminating in the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The European Investment Bank (EIB) committed financing totaling 900 million euros under these agreements. Furthermore, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) executed similar agreements with the same nations and is actively considering substantial supplementary funding, projected to be around 1.3 billion euros.
Adding to the financial commitments, a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of the Kambarata-1 project was presented. This vital study was prepared with the technical assistance of the World Bank and received partial financial backing from the European Union itself. This collaborative effort underscores the depth of international commitment to the project's viability.
Josef Sikela, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, emphasized the strategic importance of these investments in Central Asian hydropower. He noted that the funding is crucial not only for enhancing the region's energy independence but also for supporting sustainable agriculture, improving public health outcomes, and maintaining ecological equilibrium. Commissioner Sikela highlighted that the Kambarata-1 initiative is expected to unlock fresh economic opportunities for local communities and strengthen cross-border collaboration concerning water resources.
Echoing this sentiment, Kyriacos Kakouris, Vice-President of the EIB, stated that the bank is financing infrastructure that promotes the expansion of renewable electricity trade and reinforces regional energy cooperation, backed by guarantees from the European Commission. Separately, Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, characterized Kambarata-1 as a “flagship regional project” that effectively unites the efforts of Central Asian countries to bolster both energy and water security.
Beyond Kambarata-1, forum participants also engaged in discussions regarding the construction of the Rogun HPP in Tajikistan, which will feature the world's highest dam. This massive undertaking, currently being implemented with the involvement of the World Bank, the EU, and various European companies, is projected to double Tajikistan’s national energy capacity by 2032. Crucially, this development will lay the groundwork for exporting electricity to neighboring states.
Both the Kambarata-1 and Rogun initiatives fall squarely within the scope of the Global Gateway initiative and are implemented under the “Team Europe” approach. This format pools resources from the EU, its member states, development banks, and the private sector. The overarching objective of the program is to establish reliable, environmentally sound, and technologically advanced infrastructure connections, aiming to mobilize up to 300 billion euros in investments between 2021 and 2027.
These strategic initiatives clearly demonstrate the European Union's unwavering determination to cement its strategic partnership with Central Asia. By championing the green transition, fostering regional collaboration, and promoting sustainable development, the EU aims to deliver tangible benefits for the people and safeguard the environment across the region.