The Trans-Caspian Corridor Became a Topic of Discussion in the European Parliament
The European Parliament hosted a high-level roundtable discussion on the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route as a key factor in diversifying supplies between Asia and Europe. The diplomatic forum was organized with the support of MEP Ilhan Küçük.
The joint participation of the ambassadors of Turkmenistan (Sapar Palvanov), Uzbekistan (Gairat Fazilov), and Kazakhstan (Roman Vasilenko) gave the Brussels meeting a special regional dimension, demonstrating the consolidated position of Central Asia.
Speaking to his European counterparts, Turkmen Ambassador Sapar Palvanov emphasized that in today's reality, transport connectivity is no longer a purely technical issue. Today, it is the foundation for the resilience of global supply chains and a tool for states' strategic autonomy.
The Trans-Caspian Corridor should be viewed not simply as a line on a geographical map, but as a holistic transport ecosystem. It unites ports, fleets, railways and roads, digital customs solutions, and the potential of the private sector, the Turkmen diplomat noted.
Palvanov added that Turkmenistan's geographic location places a special responsibility on it: the country strives to be more than just a transit territory, but a predictable, highly effective, and reliable partner for international business.
The roundtable discussions unfolded over two panel discussions, moderated by Central Asia expert Derya Soysal. The first panel was devoted to the topic "Central Asia and the Trans-Caspian Corridor: An Integrated Architecture of Connectivity." The second panel was titled "From Strategy to Investment: Global Gateway and the EU Partnership with Central Asia."
European experts and parliamentarians agreed that the Trans-Caspian route through the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea is the most viable alternative for connecting Europe with the Asian region. Participants emphasized that the corridor will only become truly competitive with the synchronized digitalization of procedures and the attraction of large-scale investment in the infrastructure of all participating countries.
