Between praise and persecution: Civil society in Kyrgyzstan
Introduction Kyrgyzstan’s civil society has been renowned in Central Asia and beyond for its influence and activism. But with the sudden...
Economy
Invisible migration with visible consequences
Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek is growing fast. While official data indicates only a few thousand ‘visible’ migrants moving from rural areas...
Resilience, prosperity and cooperation in Central Asia’s enclaves: a role for the EU?
Bilateral relations between some Central Asian countries have improved over the past few years, among other reasons due to progress...
New EU Strategy for Central Asia: First reactions
Editorial Enough to do for the EU in Central Asia I always have a ‘to-do list’ at work. And, like...
A new EU-Central Asia Strategy: Deepening relationships and generating long-lasting impact
Introduction Over the past decade, the European Union (EU) has become an active actor in Central Asia. It has expanded...
How ‘central’ is Central Asia in the EU-Asia connectivity strategy?
Editorial A confusing strategy At the end of 2018, the European Union (EU) presented its Europe-Asia connectivity strategy (CS). The...
Going Tajikistan: Mind your step
‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes’, Marcel Proust Tajikistan has...
SMEs as the backbone of the economy: a daunting development challenge for Tajikistan
Economic relations between the European Union (EU) and Tajikistan are limited. The trade balance between the two parties over the...
The European market remains a dream for Kyrgyz exporters
In 2016, the European Union (EU) granted Kyrgyzstan Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status. The new status meant reduced...
North, West, home best. Tajik labour migration and EU development cooperation
Migration is an integral part of Tajikistan’s society, economy, and politics. It is estimated that one million Tajik nationals entered...
Is Kazakhstan’s rising star fading?
Introduction Kazakhstan’s economic prosperity and active foreign policy have given it increasing regional power status. Kazakhstan has stood out internationally...
Towards a new EU Strategy for Central Asia
Tactics or Strategy? Ten years after the inception of the European Union’s (EU) Strategy for Central Asia, in June 2017...