Who we are
The European Union has been a partner of Turkmenistan since the country's independence, supporting cooperation, development and dialogue through a wide range of programmes and initiatives.
EU engagement initially focused on technical assistance programmes coordinated through the Technical Assistance of the National Coordinating Unit (TANCU) in the early 1990s. In 2008, Europe House Turkmenistan was established to promote awareness of the European Union, support cultural exchange and increase the visibility of the EU in the country. In 2010, the EU Liaison Office in Ashgabat was opened, strengthening political dialogue and cooperation with Turkmenistan.
A new chapter in EU–Turkmenistan relations began in 2019 with the establishment of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. Since then, the Delegation has served as the official diplomatic representation of the European Union in the country, promoting political dialogue, sustainable development, trade, human rights, rule of law and people-to-people contacts between the European Union and Turkmenistan.
In Focus
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20th European Union-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Ashgabat, March 2025
What we do
The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan:
- Ensures the representation of the European Union in Turkmenistan.
- Maintains and develops bilateral relations with Turkmenistan in accordance with the 1998 Interim Trade Agreement, notably through building partnerships with government and other decision-makers, business, academics, media and civil society; promotion of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights; facilitation of trade and investment relations.
- Coordinates and supports activities of EU member states Embassies.
- Reports back to headquarters on all matters of interest for EU policies.
- Works towards increasing the visibility, awareness and understanding of the EU and its policies in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
- Carries out press and public diplomacy activities and promotes people-to-people contacts in pursuit of the above.
Development cooperation programmes on Turkmenistan are run from the EU headquarters in Brussels or from the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan.
Get to know the Ambassador
Ms Beata Peksa is the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan