Культурный аспект сотрудничества Европейского Союза и Центральной Азии

Abstract

Interests of world's leading states and world centers in Central Asia has increased due to the emergence of new military, environmental and other serious threats to the security, as well as the danger of escalating terrorism, drug trafficking and religious extremism. Today, the role of Central Asia in international politics is increasing due to its important geostrategic position, rich natural resources, and significant production and scientific and technical potential. Taking into account its economic interests in Central Asia, the European Union attaches great importance to the transformation processes in the countries of the region. The EU considers it necessary for both political and economic reasons to develop a common policy towards the states of the region that would ensure a geostrategic balance in the Central Asian region, the geopolitical interests of other countries, in particular the United States, the Russian Federation, China, India and Japan. Europe has made a valuable contribution to the implementation of new programs in the field of humanitarian cooperation. The EU is actively engaged in higher education within the framework of the world program Erasmus+. Education is considered a priority sector in cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In 2019, the EU adopted a new strategy for Central Asia. The most important feature of the new strategy is its uniformity and effectiveness. For these purposes, the policy of the member States of the European Union is coordinated, both among themselves and with special multilateral institutions, to monitor in detail the implementation of regional initiatives, to actively engage in information support of European policy in Central Asia through the development of educational programs, local independent media, and the involvement of international organizations – the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the UN. However, it is humanitarian cooperation that is one of the main priorities in the long term. The EU intends to promote the development of Central Asia, to achieve a long-term impact and greater visibility in the region. The EU has expanded its participation and changed its approach by investing in national educational programs. In the field of higher education, the EU has expanded cooperation and exchange programs between universities in Europe and Central Asia. In the area of vocational training, the EU has promoted internship programmes in Europe for students from Central Asia. The article deals with the humanitarian cooperation of the Central Asian countries with the European Union. The European Union has a century - long history of development, which opens the way to the latest technologies and knowhow. Cultural ties complement all aspects of cooperation, giving them a long-term character.