EU: Prioritize Reversing Civic Space Deterioration In Enhanced Cooperation With Kyrgyzstan; Push For Improvements – OpEd

Earlier this year, the EU deepened its ties with Kyrgyzstan by signing an Enhanced Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (EPCA), reflecting new geopolitical realities and its growing economic interests in Central Asia. The EPCA sets out adherence to democratic principles and human rights as an essential element of the agreement, emphasising improved respect for fundamental freedoms and a stronger role for civil society as key objectives of cooperation between the EU and Kyrgyzstan.

Therefore, it is crucial that the EU upholds its value-based partnership with Kyrgyzstan by prioritising human rights throughout its engagement and advocating for concrete steps by authorities to reverse repressive policies, protect open debate, and promote civil society participation—all essential for democratic transition, sustainable development, and inclusive security.

A briefing paper by International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) highlights the severe decline in civic freedoms recently seen in Kyrgyzstan, resulting in its civil society environment now being classified as ‘’repressed’’ on the global CIVICUS Monitor rating.

The briefing covers the following alarming trends:

The adoption of a “foreign agent”-style NGO law:

A law adopted in Kyrgyzstan in spring 2024 requires NGOs that receive foreign funding and engage in broadly defined “political activities” to register as “foreign representatives’’ – a highly stigmatising label. The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission recently concluded that the law violates Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations and called for its repeal. The law imposes excessive state control of NGOs, with harsh penalties for non-compliance, including suspension or closure. It has fostered a climate of fear and self-censorship, and has already led some NGOs to self-liquidate or restrict their activities to avoid being targeted. Although only a few organisations have registered as ‘’foreign representatives’’ so far, more may face pressure to do so after the registration deadline expires in November 2024.

Growing pressure on independent media:

Independent media in Kyrgyzstan have faced growing pressure through raids, criminal investigations, and other restrictive measures. For example, the 24.kg office was sealed for two months during a ‘’war propaganda’’ investigation linked to its coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine, while the Temirov Live channel – known for investigating high-level corruption – saw its work disrupted by the mass arrests and prosecution of its journalists. In summer 2024, the Supreme Court confirmed the closure of the organisation behind the award-winning Kloop platform. A controversial media law proposing extensive state regulation of media and online platforms was revised and improved, but it remains unclear in what form it will proceed.

Misuse of the fight against disinformation to prevent free information exchange:

Authorities have repeatedly blocked—or threatened to block—independent news sites for allegedly posting “false” information. Draft laws now under consideration would allow the government to fine those accused of spreading defamatory or “false” information, prohibit sharing photo and video recordings that “discredit” law enforcement, and criminalise the possession of “extremist” material without clearly defining the term. Each of these provisions could be used to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression.

Blanket restrictions on peaceful protests:

While peaceful protests are often held without interference, prolonged blanket bans on assemblies pose a serious threat to freedom of assembly. These restrictions, criticised by human rights groups and international experts, violate national and international standards protecting peaceful assembly. In a particularly problematic example, peaceful protests were banned in central Bishkek for over two years following a request from the Russian embassy to prevent anti-war protests near its premises.

Increasing persecution of civil society activists, journalists and bloggers:

Civil society activists, journalists, and bloggers who criticise authorities face increasing persecution, including arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment. In October 2024, Temirov Live’s director, Makhabat Tazhikbek Kyzy, and colleague Azamat Ishenbekov received prison sentences, while two other Temirov Live journalists were placed on probation due to their work investigating corruption. Bolot Temirov, the platform’s founder, remains in exile after being unlawfully stripped of his citizenship and expelled in 2022. In another high-profile case, 22 activists charged after opposing a border deal over the Kempir-Abad reservoir were unexpectedly acquitted in June 2024 and released after spending up to 19 months in detention. However, their freedom remains precarious as prosecutors have appealed against the acquittal. In addition, activists, bloggers, and journalists are increasingly prosecuted because of government-critical social media posts, with cases based on vaguely worded Criminal Code provisions and questionable state expert conclusions. A former National Academy of Sciences employee, who testified about security service influence on such expert reviews, is now on trial himself.

These trends are described in more detail in the IPHR briefing.

While the overall picture is bleak, certain steps taken by Kyrgyzstani authorities – such as withdrawing problematic draft legislation for revision or releasing unjustly detained activists – demonstrate the importance of international pressure. It is therefore crucial that the EU uses every opportunity in its cooperation with Kyrgyzstan to push for tangible improvements. To leverage its influence, the EU should consider withholding final ratification of the EPCA with Kyrgyzstan until there is demonstrable and meaningful progress. As called for by the European Parliament, the EU should also reassess Kyrgyzstan’s GSP+ trade benefits, which are conditional on its adherence to international human rights treaties.

Important upcoming events where the EU should raise pressing civic space issues with Kyrgyzstani authorities and seek commitments for progress include the EU-Kyrgyzstan Human Rights Dialogue, scheduled for 21 November 2024 in Bishkek, and the EU GSP+ monitoring mission that same week. These issues should also be prioritised at the EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting and EU-Central Asia Summit, for which dates are yet to be confirmed. In each instance, the EU should demonstrate steadfast support for Kyrgyzstan’s civil society amid the unprecedented challenges it currently faces, including through public expressions of solidarity.