Eduards Stiprais has been appointed as the new EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – According to AN Podrobno.uz, the Council of the European Union has appointed Latvian diplomat Eduards Stiprais as the new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will begin his duties on March 1, with an initial mandate set for two years, as reported by Podrobno.uz correspondent.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/politic/novym-spetspredstavitelem-es-po-tsentralnoy-azii-naznachen-eduards-stiprays/2025-02-26 08:14:06

According to the press service of the EU Council, the primary task of Stiprais will be to enhance relations between the European Union and the Central Asian countries based on shared values. His responsibilities will also include fostering stability, cooperation among the countries in the region, supporting democracy, the rule of law, effective governance, and the protection of human rights.

Additionally, the new EU special representative will focus on increasing the effectiveness and visibility of the European Union in the region, as well as strengthening coordination with international organizations such as the OSCE and the UN.

Eduards Stiprais previously served as Latvia's permanent representative to the EU, was the Deputy State Secretary — Political Director at Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and also held the positions of ambassador to the United Kingdom and France. From 2016 to 2020, he led the EU delegation in Uzbekistan.

Stiprais will succeed Terhi Hakala, who has held the position of EU special representative in Central Asia since July 2021.