Central Asia is not a familiar region for most Europeans, but many have begun to realise that it has a growing importance for them. The region’s strategic position provides western countries with direct access to Afghanistan. The growing influence of Islamic extremism poses a serious security risk beyond its boundaries and the lack of human rights and the rule of law in combination with low living standards creates tensions that may destabilise some parts of central Asia. Furthermore, the crisis in Georgia has increased awareness of the potential impact of any conflict originating in this vast region.
The emerging attention is generally focused on energy resources – for good reason. After decades of plenty, the European Union must face the gradual depletion of North Sea potential, and take note of the fact that Kazakhstan will quite soon become the world’s fourth largest producer of oil. Turkmenistan, as well, may soon become one of the most important sources of natural gas for European consumers.
