EU Grasps at Central Asia for Energy

The European Union anticipates opening four new embassies in Central Asia by 2008 in order to further its influence in the energy-rich region. However, considering the competition Europe faces from the Russians, Chinese and Americans, it appears the EU will have to up the ante if it really wants to become a major Central Asian energy player—a key component of its strategy to reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports.

As outlined by an EU strategy paper dated February 2 and submitted to member states by Germany, the EU proposes to significantly increase its on-site diplomatic muscle in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan by opening up new embassies and increasing the number of local personnel. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are especially known for their massive natural gas reserves.
To further the EU’s stated goal of establishing special energy relationships with the Central Asian states, the document recommends allocating heavy financial resources to support its “breakthrough” into Central Asia and to bring the four states plus Turkmenistan into the international community. Germany has specifically proposed funding development projects including the construction of a new gas pipeline from Central Asia along the Caspian seabed to Europe.

The Trumpet