The European Council appointed Mr Eduards Stiprais as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will take up his duties on 1 March 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, succeeding Terhi Hakala.
According to Council’s press-release, the task of the new EUSR will be to promote relations between the EU and the countries of Central Asia on the basis of common values, contribute to strengthening the stability of and cooperation between the countries in the region, and to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In close cooperation with the High Representative, he will also enhance the EU’s effectiveness and visibility, including through closer coordination with other relevant partners and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations.
Mr. Stiprais is a Latvian diplomat with extensive experience. He served as Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU, and as Deputy State Secretary – Political Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2016 and 2020, he was Head of EU Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and he also served as Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom, and to France.