With the two waves of enlargement in 2004 and 2007 the European Union (EU) has edged closer to Central Asia geographically politically and economically. Although the EU has assisted the countries in this region since their independence to help them achieve the radical reforms needed aid will be significantly increased over the coming six years to help strengthen and deepen relationships with Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is one of the poorest countries in the region and therefore benefits from a high level of assistance compared to other countries. Kyrgyzstan is also supported by programmes at a national level worth €55 million. The priority areas are: •Poverty reduction and raising living standards: •Regional and local community development •Reform in rural development and social sectors •Good governance and economic reform •Democratic development and good governance (promoting civil society social dialogue and democratic processes judicial reform and rule of law improving public administration and public finance management) •Implementing trade and market regulatory reforms and building administrative capacity Thematic programmes are also available to provide grant support to relevant organisations in Kyrgyzstan.