Trans-Caspian vector and Global Gateway investments: EU Ambassador Luc Devigne speaks to ORIENT
The development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is transitioning from high-level strategic declarations to practical infrastructure and financial engineering. Within the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, Turkmenistan holds a position of strategic importance: the country’s pivotal geographical location, extensive railway network, and the robust capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport position Ashgabat as a natural hub for logistical connectivity between Asia and Europe. However, translating geographical advantages into a commercially viable transit route demands profound modernization of cargo management systems, the digitalization of border procedures, and seamless integration with international financial institutions.
In an interview with ORIENT, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Luc Devigne outlined the specific grant-based project preparation mechanisms the EU offers for Turkmen infrastructure, explained why actual transit times and cost-efficiency remain the ultimate benchmarks of performance, and provided actionable guidance for Turkmen businesses, universities, and logistics operators to engage with European investment and educational platforms.
– What role does the European Union envisage for Turkmenistan in the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, and what steps could help the country strengthen its position within the regional transport and logistics system?
– The European Union considers Turkmenistan a strategically important partner in the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor under the Global Gateway strategy. Its geographical location, railway network and Turkmenbashi International Seaport offer significant opportunities to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and Europe.
However, geographical advantages must be translated into competitive transport services, shorter transit times and efficient logistics operations. Key priorities include modernising railway infrastructure, introducing digital railway and cargo management systems, simplifying and accelerating border procedures and improving interoperability with neighbouring countries. The concrete result, measured in actual transit time and costs, remains an important criterion.
The EU also attaches particular importance to maximising the utilisation of Turkmenbashi Port's existing capacity, identifying operational bottlenecks and ensuring effective connections between the port, railways and maritime transport. Cooperation with international financial institutions and private logistics operators will be essential to attract investment and increase cargo volumes.
– What new support instruments, investment opportunities or joint projects could the European Union offer Turkmenistan to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in the coming years? Are there any initiatives that have not yet been widely communicated to the Turkmen side?
– The EU is already supporting the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor through technical assistance, investment preparation and cooperation with international financial institutions, particularly the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World Bank.
A concrete opportunity is the preparation of an independent, grant-EU-funded feasibility study for the modernisation of Turkmenistan's railway infrastructure, in cooperation with the EBRD. The EU has also indicated that its feasibility-study facilities, implemented through the EBRD and World Bank, could potentially support projects related to Turkmenbashi Port, including assessments of existing capacity, operational efficiency and future investment needs.
Importantly, these feasibility studies would be financed through grants and would not automatically entail borrowing obligations. Their purpose is to identify technically sound, economically viable and financially sustainable investments that could subsequently attract IFI financing, national investment or European private-sector participation.
The EU also supports regional initiatives focusing on trade facilitation, digitalisation, transport coordination and institutional capacity-building. Further cooperation could be developed on the basis of concrete project proposals and priorities identified by Turkmenistan, with particular attention to railway modernisation, port efficiency and multimodal connectivity.
A further opportunity is the EU's broader Global Gateway investment framework, which can combine technical assistance, grants, guarantees and financing from IFIs. The recently established Connectivity Agenda Platform and the EU's Investment Hub provide additional avenues for preparing investment projects and encouraging European private-sector participation. These instruments would be subject to project eligibility, technical assessment and financing arrangements.
At this stage, no additional Turkmenistan-specific infrastructure investment or financing package should be presented as formally approved. The immediate priority is to advance discussions with the Turkmen authorities and the IFIs on concrete, bankable projects, particularly railway modernisation and the development of Turkmenbashi Port.
On a more general note, one should also underline the importance of WTO membership as a signal of openness to foreign trade and investment.
And when it comes to IFIs, signing a framework agreement allowing the EIB (European Investment Bank) in Turkmenistan would also constitute an important positive step.
– Which professional skills will be most in demand as the corridor develops, and what support could the European Union provide to Turkmenistan in training qualified specialists for the transport and logistics sectors?
– From the EU perspective, priority professions are likely to include logistics and supply-chain specialists, freight forwarders, railway and port operations professionals, economic and trade analysts, and financial analysts. Key skills will include digital freight management, cargo tracking, international transport procedures, trade-flow analysis, investment appraisal, safety, sustainability and foreign languages. Specific training needs should be identified jointly with employers as the corridor develops.
Through DARYA, the EU already supports occupational standards, teacher development, competence-based learning and exchanges of expertise. Planned activities include a regional occupational profile in logistics, an ICT peer-learning visit to Estonia and further SCAFFOLD (general competences) mentor training in Turkmenistan.
– How can Turkmen companies and educational institutions participate in European Union initiatives under the Global Gateway strategy and become involved in projects related to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor?
– There are four practical routes:
Joint investment proposals: Turkmen companies can partner with an EU-based company or EU Member State entity and develop a proposal for the European Commission’s DG INTPA Investment Hub. The EU partner submits it through its Member State’s Team National. Projects should demonstrate commercial viability, local benefits, alignment with national priorities and Global Gateway environmental, social and transparency principles. Financing remains subject to assessment and approval.
Calls and tenders: Businesses and institutions should monitor the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, check their eligibility for each opportunity, and apply individually or with partners where permitted. Applications generally require an EU Login and organisational registration with a Participant Identification Code (PIC).
Education partnerships: Turkmen universities can build consortia with European institutions for eligible Erasmus+ capacity-building projects, including transport-related curricula, and staff development. Vocational institutions and businesses can also contribute to skills assessments, occupational profiles and training partnerships through DARYA.
Research and innovation: Horizon Europe offers opportunities for Turkmen universities, research institutions and companies to join international consortia working on sustainable transport, digital logistics, clean energy and related technologies. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions also offer opportunities for research training and international staff exchanges. Participation and EU funding depend on the specific call and action; interested organisations should identify suitable opportunities on the Funding & Tenders Portal and establish partnerships with European counterparts.
