On 29–30 April 2025 a delegation of 13 Ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of European Union Member States accredited in Uzbekistan participated in an annual joint study trip, this year focused on the Fergana Valley. The visit aimed to gain deeper insight into water management challenges and explore opportunities made possible by EU-funded initiatives.

Upon arrival in Fergana, the delegation met with the team behind the EU-funded Fergana Valley Water Resources Management Project[1], which works to modernize irrigation and drainage services across Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan regions. Ambassadors had the opportunity to visit local farms and engage with farmers who are direct beneficiaries of the project. The modernisation efforts have led to reduced water losses, improved agricultural yields, and the introduction of new varieties of fruits and vegetables. The visit also highlighted the impact of EU-supported Farmer Field Schools, where farmers have adopted innovative agricultural practices and cutting-edge techniques.

The delegation then traveled to the Shakhimardan exclave to visit the HYDROPOWER FOR YOU project[2], funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. This initiative showcases the successful application of academic research to real-world solutions. A consortium of 13 universities and research institutions, led by the Technical University of Munich, developed and commissioned a small hydropower plant that now supplies clean and stable electricity to the local community. The project not only benefits residents with a reliable and sustainable energy source, but also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise among European and local partners.

The visit to Shakhimardan offered a rare glimpse into life in an exclave, highlighting the day-to-day challenges faced by residents of the Fergana Valley. The EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar emphasized the significance of Uzbekistan’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation with its Central Asian neighbours. He reiterated the EU’s readiness to share its experience in regional collaboration and integrated border management.

--
 

[1] Fergana Valley Water Resources Management Project”: Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Center for Implementation of Foreign Investment Projects in the Water Sector under the Ministry of Water Resources. Contacts : FVWRMP-P-II CENTER piu.fwrmp@gmail.com ; EU Grant piu.eug.fvwrmp@gmail.com.

[2] “Hydro4U project” - https://hydro4u.eu/ , contact: Project Co-ordinator Mr Bertalan Alapfy bertalan.alapfy@tum.de , Technical University Munich.