Cooperation between Astrakhan Region and the EU

Astrakhan Region was developing comprehensive cooperation with the EU. Official and business contacts were maintained with Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Czech Republic and others. Meetings and negotiations were regularly held between the representatives of business community and authorities on various issues of multifaceted interaction.

Cooperation was developing most efficiently in the areas of industry, agriculture, education, culture and tourism.

With the participation of foreign developers, a number of socially significant facilities were built in the region. German and Austrian consortia participated in the construction of solar power plants in Astrakhan Region. The leading logistics company from Germany, Martrade Holding, teaming up with LLC PLC Kaspiy, engaged in the implementation of an investment project for setting up a container terminal in the port special economic zone. The regional office of Liebherr-Russland in Astrakhan supplied port equipment and marine equipment. The company also provided special equipment to Astrakhan-based ports and shipbuilders.

Industrial and production activities played an important role in the development of relationships. CJSC KNAUF Gypsum Baskunchak, established by a German investor, engaged in the extraction and processing of gypsum stone, as well as the production of dry building materials. Residents of the "Lotus" special economic zone – JSC "Technologies – XXI century" (founded by the Italian company Ferragu Abrasivi) and LLC "Bulk Design International" (company with Italian capital) were specialized in manufacturing tool brushes, abrasive materials and ship panels.

Astrakhan shipbuilders boast extensive experience in cooperating with European customers. Astrakhan shipyards implemented orders for the construction of chemical tanker hulls, bulk carriers and container ships for Dutch companies and other countries. Currently, projects for European companies for the construction of vessels and technical means for dredging are being implemented, in particular, the construction of a series of dredgers, being carried out for Royal IHC Dutch company.

The regional enterprises established cooperation in agriculture. The program for the cultivation of fast-growing gardens using Greek seedlings of stone crops, such as peach, nectarine, plum, cherry, was implemented.

The goods manufactured by Astrakhan-based companies were sold in the EU markets. Deliveries of fish products of various processing methods were implemented. In addition, supplies of fiberglass for electrical purposes, as well as finished textiles were launched.

Astrakhan enterprises used Italian technologies for the production of cheese and dairy products. In addition, production of plastic boxes, using a mold designed by Italian engineers, was ongoing for the storage and transportation of various goods. A greenhouse complex was being built in the territory of the region by the Dutch company Dalsem Greenhouse Projects B.V.

Educational institutions of higher education in Astrakhan region boast a mutually beneficial cooperation with the universities in Germany, Italy, Czech Republic and a number of other European countries. Cooperation agreements were signed between Astrakhan universities and the EU research centers. Mutual internships were carried out within the framework of the agreements. International conferences were regularly held with the participation of representatives of educational organizations to promote exchange of research experience. Students from France, Italy, Israel and other countries studied at Astrakhan universities. The Caspian Higher School of Translation of Astrakhan State University  established cooperation with international organizations, including the European Commission, the World Intellectual Property Organization and others, within the framework of training translation specialists.

Cultural projects were implemented between European countries and the region. Days of Slovak and German cultures were held in the territory of the region. Astrakhan cultural institutions toured cities in Great Britain, Germany, France and other countries. International festivals with the participation of cultural figures from European countries were held in the region.

Cooperation in tourism also was an important area. Tourists from Northern and Central Europe came to Astrakhan. Particularly, cruise tourism in the Volga river was gaining momentum. Tours to historical sites of Astrakhan and natural heritage of Astrakhan Region were organized for foreign tourists.

Youth exchanges were regularly carried out with German public associations.