The security and development challenge for Central Asia: What role for Europe?

On 28 May FRIDE’s EUCAM programme organised a roundtable in Madrid looking into ‘The security and development challenge for Central Asia. What role for Europe?  Fernando de la Serna, Ambassador on Special Mission for Central Asia, Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the Spanish approach to the region and highlighted the close relationship between Spain and Kazakhstan.

Jeremy Smith, Professor of Russian History and Politics, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu focused on Kyrgyzstan, going in-depth on the challenges the impoverished country faces in democratisation and in economic performance including such international aspects as relations with the EU and the Eurasian Union.

Jos Boonstra, Senior Researcher at FRIDE and Head of the EUCAM programme stressed that Afghanistan post-2014 security threats to Central Asia are often overemphasized and that the region faces substantial challenges that stand separate from NATO withdrawal.

Moderator Clare Castillejo, Senior Researcher at FRIDE, lead a vibrant debate where officials, academics and think tank experts exchanged views on Central Asia and its future, well beyond 2014.

About Author

Aya Renaud

Freelance journalist, editor, web consultant. Worked for various international organizations and media outlets, including UNDP, UNEP, RFE/RL. Currently, assists non-profit organizations in building their corporate identity, online presence, strengthening communities in social media. Has been involved in EUCAM since 2009. Studied International Journalism at the Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt (Germany).

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