More than 12 years have passed since the creation of the first EU Strategy for Central Asia in 2007. Since then new dynamics in the region, as well as new players from outside the region, are reshaping the political landscape of Central Asia. In June 2019 the EU Council approved the new strategy for Central Asia in order to adapt its approach to new circumstances and overcome shortcomings of the former strategy.

This analysis compares the two strategies from the perspective of the countries in Central Asia, examines what works were carried out for the successful implementation of the 2007 Strategy, and simultaneously identifies difficulties and obstacles that have not yet been overcome. The analysis formulates a number of recommendations both for the EU and for stakeholders outside the EU who will be involved in its implementation.