On Monday 16 July, the EU Council adopted negotiating directives for the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission to negotiate an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan.
The new agreement will replace the 1999 partnership and cooperation agreement.
According to a Council press release, the agreement will cover areas such as political dialogue and reforms, the rule of law, justice, freedom and security, human rights, migration, trade, and economic and sustainable development. It will also promote a favourable business and investment environment, and will provide for cooperation on foreign policy issues and global challenges such as climate change, corruption and the fight against terrorism. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)