On May 8, 2025, a ceremonial event was held in Dushanbe to celebrate Europe Day and the 75th anniversary of the European Union — a milestone highlighting the key principles of the European project: peace, unity, cooperation, and sustainable development.
EU Ambassador: “The EU is not just a union of states, but a union of values”
In his keynote speech, Raimundas Karoblis, the Ambassador of the European Union to Tajikistan, reminded the audience of the significance of May 9, 1950, when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented the idea that became the foundation for the EU — a union designed to make war in Europe not only unthinkable but materially impossible.
“Today, we live the European dream — a union based on respect, dialogue, and shared values. It is not only an economic and political alliance but also a symbol of peace and human dignity,” the Ambassador emphasized.
He noted that amid global instability, the EU remains a reliable partner, committed to a rules-based international order, rather than the “law of the strongest.”
Speaking about Central Asia, the Ambassador highlighted the deepening partnership with Tajikistan:
- The visit of EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela to Dushanbe in March 2025;
- The participation of President Emomali Rahmon in the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand;
- The conclusion of negotiations on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Tajikistan, which will open new horizons in economics, climate, education, and human rights.
“All our projects in Tajikistan are investments in the people and the future of Tajikistan. These are not just words but real support,” stated Ambassador Karoblis.
Erasmus+ in Tajikistan: Expanding Horizons for Youth
The event also featured active participation from the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) Tajikistan, represented by Erasmus+ National Coordinator Mokhbonu Nakhkhatzoda. She emphasized the importance of European educational programs, especially Erasmus+, in developing youth, science, and education in the country.
“Erasmus+ is not only about academic mobility. It is a pathway to professional growth, cultural exchange, and building a sustainable future for Tajikistan,” said Mokhbonu Nakhkhatzoda.
She further stressed that an increasing number of students, educators, and young professionals from Tajikistan are benefiting from the opportunity to study, intern, and exchange experiences through Erasmus+ international projects, contributing to the strengthening of the country’s human capital and its integration into the global educational space.