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REPORT (9190/2025 – C10-0280/2025 – 2024/0260M(NLE))

Containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part

A-10-2026-0107

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Ilhan Kyuchyuk

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This non-legislative resolution accompanies Parliament's consent to the EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, welcoming the agreement and calling for its full implementation, with a focus on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It urges Uzbekistan to address concerns over political repression, torture, forced labour, NGO restrictions, and LGBTIQ+ rights, and to align with international standards. It calls for enhanced cooperation on regional stability, sanctions compliance, connectivity, climate change, and trade, while supporting Uzbekistan's reform agenda and WTO accession.

Committee position. The Committee on Foreign Affairs proposes that Parliament adopt a non-legislative resolution accompanying its consent to the EPCA, welcoming the agreement but calling for concrete reforms and monitoring.

Key points

  1. Welcomes the EU-Uzbekistan EPCA as a new framework for bilateral relations, emphasizing shared values, democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
  2. Calls for full implementation of the EPCA's essential elements, with an evaluation within three years using clear human rights benchmarks.
  3. Regrets that Uzbekistan's human rights record has worsened in some areas and calls for improved environment for human rights, civil society, and media.
  4. Urges inclusion of independent and opposition candidates in future elections and respect for freedom of expression and media freedom during elections.
  5. Calls on Uzbekistan to prevent sanctions circumvention, enhance compliance with EU sanctions, and refrain from actions supporting Russia's military capabilities.
  6. Calls for continued reforms under the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, strengthening rule of law, human rights, and good governance.
  7. Urges accountability for deaths and injuries from the July 2022 Karakalpakstan events, release of arbitrarily detained activists, and independent investigations into torture allegations.
  8. Calls for release of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists imprisoned for peaceful exercise of rights, and for rehabilitation mechanisms.
  9. Urges enforcement of legal safeguards against torture and an end to punitive psychiatric detention of activists.
  10. Calls for decriminalisation of consensual same-sex relations and protection of LGBTIQ+ people from harassment and violence.
  11. Calls for easing restrictions on NGOs, allowing registration of independent human rights organisations, and adopting an NGO Code.
  12. Calls for repeal of criminal code articles on insult and defamation that restrict freedom of speech, and for release of those imprisoned on such charges.

Who is affected

  • Uzbekistan: must implement reforms, protect human rights, and comply with EU sanctions and trade conditions.
  • Human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and LGBTIQ+ people in Uzbekistan: face persecution and restrictions, with calls for their protection and release.
  • NGOs and civil society in Uzbekistan: face registration and funding barriers, with calls for easing restrictions.
  • EU institutions: Commission and EEAS to monitor implementation, support reforms, and enhance anti-disinformation programmes.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 43 million allocated for EU bilateral programmes with Uzbekistan from 2025 to 2027.
  • Trade between Uzbekistan and EU was almost EUR 4.8 billion in 2024.
  • In 2024, 10.4% of Uzbekistan's trade was with the EU and 7.2% of its exports went to the EU.
  • Uzbekistan has GSP+ status until 2027.
  • Additional EUR 12 billion investment package for Central Asia, with EUR 2.5 billion for critical raw materials.
  • Average losses of USD 92 million every year due to climate-related natural disasters.

Legal basis: Articles 207(4) and 209(2), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union