U.S. and EU water and energy projects in Central Asia

The relevance of the study is related to the fact that currently the water and energy crisis in Central Asia (CA) has become one of the most acute problems in the region, affecting both internal processes and international relations. The shortage of electricity, which already exists in the Central Asian republics, may soon cause a slowdown in economic development, an increase in social tension and the emergence of conflicts. Awareness of the importance of the issue pushes the republics to search for solutions both within the region and with the involvement of partners from outside. Western non-regional actors present in Central Asia are offering their projects to solve the problems of water use and energy production. The article analyzes the projects of the United States, and the European Union aimed at resolving the water and energy crisis. The authors conclude that for the most part they are part of a strategy to separate the region from Russia (and China), and do not bring real results. It is obvious that now only the Russian Federation has the necessary competencies and offers projects, including hydropower, the implementation of which can radically change the situation.