During his visit to Tajikistan, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela announced new funding initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s sustainable development.
The European Union has signed two key financial agreements with Team Europe partners to promote sustainable development in Tajikistan:
1.Modernization of the electricity grid: A €20 million investment grant with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to modernise Tajikistan’s electricity grid, reduce energy losses, and prepare for future renewable energy investments. This aligns with the EU’s broader goal of enhancing energy security and supporting the green transition in Central Asia.
2.Sustainability of the cotton sector: A €20 million grant with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Agency for International Cooperation, to promote sustainability in Tajikistan’s cotton sector. This initiative will support certified sustainable cotton production, improve processing for high-quality exports, and create opportunities for the domestic private sector.
In addition, a disbursement of €10 million as part of a larger €30 million budget support programme was announced. This funding will help implement the National Strategy for Education Development 2030 and the Programme for Professional Training of Citizens 2021-2025, improving the quality and relevance of general secondary education and vocational training.
During the visit, Commissioner Sikela also visited the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant, a key project of Tajikistan’s energy infrastructure.
Earlier, Sikela visited Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. ///nCa, 17 March 2025