European Union holds political launch for Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia
The TEI on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia is one of the Global Gateway flagship projects between the EU and Central Asia. This initiative aims to promote digital connectivity and the development of the digital economy in Central Asia, tackling the connectivity gap in the region by developing a high-capacity internet network and by supporting investment in satellite constellations and the deployment of ground infrastructure. It seeks to mitigate the digital divide and generate positive side effects for the wider economy, in particular for people in remote and marginalized communities.
“The Global Gateway and the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia are opening a new chapter. Through them, the European Union is connecting remote regions and villages in Central Asia to internet, via satellite connections. Today’s event marks an important milestone in advancing sustainable connectivity and deepening EU–Central Asia cooperation for the years ahead. It also represents our commitment to bridging the digital divide, strengthening digital infrastructure, and unlocking new opportunities for people and businesses across Central Asia, Ms Aleska Simkic, European Union Ambassador to Kazakhstan.
Within this framework, and in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy, two complementary Actions were developed:
• SOFT PILLAR: The C4CA Project, implemented by a consortium of EU cooperation agencies, coordinated by Expertise France, is aimed at fostering safe and inclusive satellite connectivity access and use across Central Asian countries, in particular for women, youth and further marginalised groups, with the aim to support digitally-driven socio-economic inclusion.
• HARD PILLAR: The “Satellite Connectivity for Underserved Populations of Central Asia” project, coordinated by the European Investment Bank and implemented by SES, is aimed at providing the infrastructure for high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities, so that they can benefit from digital opportunities that are increasingly vital for education, healthcare, economic development. SES will tackle the investment needed for the satellite constellation and the deployment of ground infrastructure to spread connectivity across the region.
“Connectivity, in all its forms — whether digital, infrastructural, or economic — lies at the heart of today’s global challenges. It is a key driver for trade, for the circulation of people and ideas, and for regional integration. Working hand in hand with our partners in Central Asia, and in complementarity with the infrastructure investments led by the European Investment Bank, the consortium led by Expertise France will help develop the policies, skills, and technologies needed to ensure equal access to digital services and innovation across the region”, said Mr. Sylvain Guiaugue, Ambassador of France to Kazakhstan
This event marks an important milestone in the Central Asian countries’ digital strategies for the upcoming years. All parties expressed their strong interest and engagement in the project. TEI is a key achievement of the EU-Central Asia willingness to cooperate.
Background Information:
Global Gateway is the European Union's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals, as well as the Paris Agreement. The strategy aims to mobilise up to EUR 300 billion in investments.