Central Asia
I) Latest developments
II) General context
Since the EU enlargement and the inclusion of the Southern Caucasus into the European Neighbourhood Policy, Central Asian countries ( Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) and the EU are moving closer together. The overall EU policy in Central Asia is to encourage the political stability and economic prosperity through regional cooperation. The sharing of experience and policy dialogue with competent authorities is the main instrument. Moreover, cooperation through technical assistance is supporting the strengthening rule of law and the functioning of the judiciary. Cooperation also focuses on prevention of illegal activities, such as corruption, money laundering, illicit drugs and the prevention and control of illegal migration.
The framework for EU relations with the Central Asian countries is provided by bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCA). The PCA agreements cover fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, illegal activities, money laundering, illegal migration, asylum and readmission, as well as border control, customs and legislative cooperation. Relevant to JLS are also provisions committing each party to cooperation on matters relating to democracy and human rights. Based on these agreements, annual formal dialogues with each country on JLS-issues is organised in the framework of the Cooperation Councils and Cooperation Committees. In addition, the threat of terrorism resulted in 2002 in the creation of the JLS PCA Subcommittees with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan especially dedicated to Justice and Home Affairs.
The fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority for the EU. In this regard, Central Asia remains a key area as Afghan opium is trafficked to Europe through this region. Cooperation focus inside the region on drug-trafficking and organized crime. Multilateral co-operation with OSCE and other actors in the region is welcomed. The regional component is supported by two important Tacis JLS-programmes, one on borders and one on drugs; the Border Management Initiative for Central Asia (BOMCA) and the C entral Asia Drugs Action Programme (CADAP). These programmes include components on money laundering, migration and links with EU/International operational structures as part of anti terrorist/organised crime actions. Strengthening of capacity, pilot border zones and other activities gradually promote institutional reforms in the Border Guards services, while contributing to improve cross border relations and legitimate flows of goods and people.
CADAPpromotes a balanced approach between drugs supply and demand reduction measures. The Fourth phase of CADAP was launched in 2008 with a strong focus on demand reduction as well as drug abused and drug trafficking monitoring.