The EUSRs work under the authority of High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell and support his work in the implementation of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

In the duties of the EUSR for Central Asia, the focus is on the EU's continued and comprehensive cooperation with countries in the region. The cooperation covers a broad range of matters in the following sectors: security, the rule of law, environment, water, climate change, education, and human rights with an emphasis on women and girls.

In line with the European Union Strategy for Central Asia, it is also important to promote the development of the business environment and to stimulate investments as well as to foster sustainable connectivity.  

Ms. Hakala has previously worked as the Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN, WTO and other international organizations in Geneva; Director General of the Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland; Ambassador to India; Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia; and as Finland’s Roving Ambassador to the South Caucasus. She was most recently Ambassador for Countering Hybrid Threats of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. She seeks to build upon her long experience to channel strong cooperation in-between the EU and Central Asia region.

“In Central Asia, the EU is a welcome and balancing partner to help tackle the challenges of the region. The EU has many tools that can be used to promote recovery from the global pandemic. The mandate of the EUSR for Central Asia emphasises the need to strengthen regional cooperation and stability in collaboration with the countries of the region and other international actors.  In the coming years, this will be even more important than before,” Hakala notes.