ABSTRACT
The EU Strategy’s offer for cooperation with the Central Asian countries is impressively comprehensive:
The development and consolidation of stable, just and open societies, adhering to international norms, is essential to bring the partnership between the European Union and Central Asian States to full fruition. Good governance, the rule of law, human rights, democratisation, education and training are key areas where the EU is willing to share experience and expertise. The EU can offer experience in regional integration leading to political stability and prosperity. Lessons learnt from the political and economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe can also be offered. With their rich traditions and centuriesold exchanges, the EU and Central Asia can contribute actively to the dialogue between civilisations. … Within the new external assistance instruments based on the EU-budget 2007−2013 the EU has planned to double the financial means for assisting Central Asian States.
