Abstract:

This study delves into the comparative analysis of development aid provided by the European Union (EU) and the People's Republic of China in Central Asia, particularly focusing on environmental, climate change, and adaptation initiatives. Since the early days of Central Asian states' independence in 1991, both the EU and China have emerged as leading donors in the region. Between 2002-2020, the EU committed $3.36 billion in development finance to Central Asia. The targeted global objectives that received the largest total commitment were Environment $433mn, Climate Change $281mn and Climate Adaptation $253mn. Over the same period, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank committed $1.88 billion in development finance to Central Asia. The targeted global objectives that received the largest total commitment were Climate Change $194mn and Climate Mitigation $109mn.

Despite these substantial investments, research on the efficacy and impact of development assistance from these major donors in Central Asia remains limited. This paper aims to address this gap by examining the effectiveness of the top 10 projects funded by both traditional and emerging donors in Central Asia. By scrutinizing the disparities between the approaches of these donors, particularly in the realms of environmental preservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies, this study seeks to elucidate the nuanced dynamics at play in shaping the developmental landscape of the region.