Central Asia digital connectivity

Overview

The component 1 of this Global Gateway flagship project aims to enable an environment for digital connectivity in the region. Technical assistance is implemented by a consortium of public agencies from 5 EU Member States, focusing on 'soft' connectivity policy measures and regulatory reforms. Adopted in 2023, it covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. 

The component 2 focuses on digital connectivity infrastructure: construction of satellite ground infrastructure by EU private businesses, implemented through Blending with EIB. Adopted 2024, it covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

Background

This initiative marks the first concrete implementation of the Digital4Development Hub’s Asia-Pacific branch, reinforcing the EU’s digital engagement in the region. It contributes to closing the connectivity gap between Europe and Central Asia, while also fostering secure and high-capacity internet access with long-term economic and social benefits.

Team Europe partners are joining forces to deliver infrastructure and governance support. A key part of the proposal includes financing a major fibre-optic cable extending from the EU-financed Black Sea cable to Central Asia from Bulgaria and Georgia via Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea, linking underserved rural areas.

The implementation strategy includes:

• Establishing earth stations with integrated internet exchange points and green data centres across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Reducing digital divides in the region and promoting inclusive, last-mile digital services. Secure and reliable end-to-end connectivity for citizens and businesses is expected to have a transformative impact on sectors like industry, health, education, finance and agriculture.
• Supporting reforms in digital governance, particularly in telecoms, personal data protection, cybersecurity, repect of human rights, bringing the EU’s high standards and best practices to the region.
• Pushing both technical assistance and infrastructure, with contributions from EU Member States and international financing institutions.

Milestones

• The project will seek for EU4D grant potential support to cofinance onshore connecting stations throughout the region
• Adoption of first part of the EU's contribution to the initiative, focusing on soft connectivity, in Q3 2023
• The EIB is already considering a financing facility to one of the major EU satellite operator to cover Central Asia’s demand with a view to sign the project in 2023
• Next Team Europe outreach to Central Asian partners and European business at the EU CA Economic Forum, Almaty, 18-19 May 2023