Strengthening ties between EU and Central Asia

Visit to the European Council during the Brussels Day (© European Union, 2024)

From 13-25 May 2024, the College of Europe in Bruges had the pleasure to organise the ‘Training for diplomats and officials from Central Asian countries on EU foreign policy’ on behalf of the External Action Services (EEAS) and the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) of the European Commission. 

The training aimed at deepening the ties and enhancing the cooperation between the EU and Central Asia. Over the 10-day training course, the 25 participants from the five Central Asian countries engaged in lectures, debates and visits to the European Commission and Council in Brussels. The programme was also rich in cultural activities and networking opportunities.

Ms Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the European Diplomatic Academy, opened the training highlighting the importance of academic curiosity and diplomatic exchanges. Further networking and exchange opportunities were facilitated at the high-level opening and closing receptions gathering the Ambassadors of the Central Asian countries, EU officials and academia.  

At the closing reception, participants from each delegation shared their main take-aways from the programme. The opportunity to network, gain first-hand knowledge of the work of the EU and engage in lectures were some of the highlights mentioned. 

Photos from the training can be found here.

The activity ‘Technical assistance in support of the EU-Central Asia relations: training for diplomats and officials’ was organised in cooperation with GOPA PACE in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘PSF 2019 Lot 1: Public diplomacy, information outreach and organisation of events’.