France and Italy's Central Asia Strategy

Key Chapter Title List

1. Energy
2. France's Uranium Resource Strategy and Cooperation Framework in Central Asia
3. Italy's Expansion of Oil and Gas Interests in Central Asia
4. Security
5. Progress and Challenges in France's Defense Cooperation with Central Asia
6. Italy's Military Equipment Exports and Market Penetration in Central Asia
7. Central Asian Perspective
8. Central Asia's Strategy for Diversifying External Partners
9. The International Competitive Landscape in Central Asian Markets
10. Central Asia's Security Concerns and Considerations for Defense Cooperation
11. Exploring the Long-Term Feasibility of Europe-Central Asia Cooperation

Document Introduction

Following Russia's full-scale special military operation in February 2022, Europe's strategic focus on Central Asia has intensified sharply. The core drivers include both the need for energy diversification to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and deeper geopolitical and security considerations. In this context, France and Italy, leveraging their active energy and defense industries, have emerged as key European players in Central Asia. Their strategic focus is centered on Kazakhstan while extending influence to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

This report focuses on the dual strategic dimensions of France and Italy in Central Asia: energy cooperation and defense engagement. In the energy sector, the two countries exhibit differentiated core interests: France's strategy centers on uranium resources, relying on the mining giant Orano to build a cooperation network with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to secure its nuclear-dominated energy system; Italy focuses on oil and gas, with energy giant Eni deeply involved in developing Kazakhstan's core oil and gas fields and actively exploring the potential for gas cooperation with Turkmenistan, contributing to the diversification of Europe's energy supply.

In the defense sector, the decline in Russia's willingness to export weapons has created a strategic opportunity for France and Italy. France, leveraging its long-term military cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan, promotes the export and joint production of equipment such as air defense systems and military transport aircraft, while seeking breakthroughs in fighter jet sales. Italy has become a significant supplier of military hardware to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, with exports covering helicopters, drones, naval weapons, and various light equipment. Its defense strategy is closely tied to the interests of private defense enterprises.

From the Central Asian perspective, the involvement of France and Italy provides diversification options beyond Russia and China, aiding in the acquisition of advanced technology and expertise. However, the Central Asian market simultaneously faces competitive pressure from multiple countries including China, Russia, and Turkey. Moreover, Central Asian states adhere to a multi-vector foreign policy, maintaining strategic hedging among various international partners.

Based on specific cooperation cases, corporate strategies, and data, this report systematically analyzes the strategic objectives, implementation pathways, and actual outcomes of France and Italy in Central Asia. It reveals potential areas for cooperation between Europe and Central Asia in energy transition, critical raw materials, and security collaboration. It also points out practical challenges such as the high cost of European equipment and intense regional geopolitical competition, providing a key reference for understanding the complex geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia.