For the first time, the European Union is making Central Asia as an overall region the focus of its interests. In Berlin on the last day of the German presidency of the EU Council, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) [Social Democratic Party of Germany] presented the new EU strategy for Central Asia, which he said is to "begin a new chapter of cooperation."

It foresees greater economic, political, and ecological cooperation as well as a doubling of financial aid for the five Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in the coming years.

With this new strategic approach, the EU wants to react to the growing role of Central Asia in world politics and in the energy economy. Steinmeier called on the five countries to intensify the "energy dialogue" with the EU and together to ensure better access to the oil and gas resources on the Caspian Sea. This is based on forecasts indicating that the share of energy imports in the EU will increase from 50% at present to 70% by 2030. In addition, the EU hopes that the five countries will make a big contribution to the stabilization and reconstruction of their neighbouring country Afghanistan, German news agency ddp reported.

The concept therefore involves not just political and economic cooperation but also the joint fight against terrorism, organized crime, and the drug trade. In addition, the EU and Central Asia want stronger cooperation in environmental matters. Steinmeier stressed that for the first time the EU and Central Asia now have a common framework for action: "It is worthwhile that we used the last day of our presidency for this purpose." On 1 July, Portugal takes over from Germany the presidency of the EU Council.