The creation, in July 2005, of the post of European Union Special Representative for Central Asia signalled the realisation by the EU of the growing importance of this vast region which links Europe and Asia. For reasons of stability and security, of development and of energy security, the European Union must now be more effective and more visible in Central Asia, Morel said in his mission statement on the website of the EU.

“Following my appointment in October 2006, I spent the last three months of the year visiting the five capitals in the region and I have been working closely with the Council’s General Secretariat and the Commission’s services to define the EU’s "strategy" for Central Asia, which is likely to be adopted by the European Council in June this year under the German Presidency,” Morel said.

“As well as maintaining continuing dialogue with each of the Central Asian capitals, I keep in regular contact with major partners, such as Russia, China, the United States and Japan, with regional authorities and with the multilateral organisations active in these countries, particularly the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The EU’s future "strategy" will focus on the characteristics of each of the five Central Asian countries and on the operational dimension of European engagement,” he added.

“The countries of Central Asia all consider themselves to be "Eurasian" and explicitly stress their attachment to Europe. Today, they are at a crossroads, often in a difficult context. By accurately assessing the issues at stake as well as its own capacities, the EU can meet their expectations by constructing a long-term partnership founded on security, the rule of law and development,” the EU envoy concluded.