European Parliament on Turkmenistan: Human Rights as a Precondition for Strategic Partnership with the EU

Turkmenistan Outside the EU Partnership Framework: A Political Signal from Strasbourg On January 17, 2024, the European Parliament adopted the resolution “On the EU Strategy for Central Asia” (2023/2106(INI)) in Strasbourg. The document clearly states that Turkmenistan remains the only Central Asian state without a ratified Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the European Union. The European Parliament stresses that the limited scope of bilateral engagement is directly linked to the lack of substantial progress in Turkmenistan regarding democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The resolution underlines that for Parliament to reconsider its position and ratify the PCA, Turkmenistan must demonstrate tangible and sustainable improvements in these areas. ANALYSIS 1. Regional Isolation All other Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — have signed and implemented partnership agreements with the EU. Turkmenistan remains the only exception, reinforcing its position as an outlier in regional cooperation. 2. Human Rights as a Core Condition The European Parliament makes it clear that economic and strategic cooperation cannot advance without respect for fundamental democratic standards. This includes: Freedom of movement Freedom of expression Ending arbitrary travel bans Addressing enforced disappearances Ensuring judicial independence These are no longer purely domestic matters — they directly affect Turkmenistan’s international standing and partnerships. 3. Economic Implications The absence of a ratified PCA limits: Trade opportunities Investment flows Technological cooperation Participation in sustainable EU infrastructure and development projects 4. Reputational Impact The language of the resolution confirms that concerns about human rights in Turkmenistan are formally recognized at the highest institutional level within the European Union. CONCLUSION The European Parliament’s resolution is not merely diplomatic language — it is a clear political message: Without real and measurable reforms in the field of human rights, Turkmenistan will remain politically and strategically isolated from deeper cooperation with the European Union. In Turkmenistan’s own interest, authorities should: End restrictions on citizens’ right to leave the country Guarantee transparency and independence of the judiciary Stop persecution of activists and critics Allow international monitoring mechanisms Openness and reform are not concessions — they are investments in the country’s long-term stability and prosperity. POSITION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS PLATFORM “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” We believe this resolution confirms what human rights defenders have stated for years: sustainable development is impossible without respect for human rights. While authorities continue to ignore international obligations, ordinary citizens suffer — students, migrant workers, families separated by travel restrictions, and relatives of forcibly disappeared individuals. The European Union has clearly defined the conditions. The choice now lies with the authorities of Turkmenistan. SOURCE European Parliament Resolution of 17 January 2024 on the EU Strategy for Central Asia (2023/2106(INI)) Official website of the European Parliament: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0027_EN.html�