Source: European Parliament
16.10.2025
Question for written answer E-004075/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Singer (Renew), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR)
The EU will sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Uzbekistan on 24 October 2025. However, recent developments raise human rights, security and geopolitical concerns.
– In July 2022, deadly force was used against peaceful protesters in Karakalpakstan. The Uzbek Government continues to refuse an independent investigation.
– Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, a lawyer, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for exercising his right to freedom of opinion and expression. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared this sentence unlawful.
– Uzbekistan plays a significant role as a transit point for goods evading sanctions, supporting the Russian war economy.
– Structural discrimination and economic marginalisation of Karakalpakstan exacerbate inequality, instability and migration pressure.
- 1.How will the Commission ensure that the signing of the EPCA is not perceived as approval of Uzbekistan’s human rights abuses and how will the Commission prevent it from facilitating sanctions evasion in favour of Russia?
- 2.Will the Commission make the release of Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov and authorisation of an independent investigation into the 2022 violence prerequisites for signing the EPCA?
- 3.What measures will be taken to guarantee that the economic benefits of the EPCA reach not only the central government, but also the people of Karakalpakstan in a verifiable way?
Submitted: 16.10.2025