The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TCTR, Middle Corridor), to which the European Union (EU) has allocated approximately 90 million euros in funding, is of great importance for ensuring regional connectivity in Central Asia.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.

According to her, Central Asia is currently of great importance not only in terms of its resources and geographical importance for regional stability, but also in terms of investment potential:

“That is why the EU is the leading provider of development assistance to Central Asia. From our support for the TCTR project to investments in the development of digital technologies in the region, we see many opportunities for both sides.”

Kallas noted that after the conflict in Ukraine broke out, the EU began to look for alternative, reliable, and efficient trade and transport routes that bypassed Russian territory:

“Last year, the EU created a special platform that brought together government representatives, donors, and development banks to discuss the progress of priority transport projects in the region. This includes, for example, projects such as the modernization of the ports of Aktau and Turkmenbashi.”

It should be noted that in 2024, the volume of cargo transportation via the TBNM increased by 62% compared to 2023, reaching 4.5 million tons. As a result of the measures taken, the throughput of the Middle Corridor is expected to increase to 10 million tons by 2027.