Zdechovsky says EU-Kazakhstan partnership now more crucial than ever

The European Union is bolstering its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance cooperation in energy, critical materials, connectivity, and agriculture.

This collaboration supports Kazakhstan’s long-term ambition to join the ranks of the world’s most developed nations.

Speaking in the European Parliament, MEP Tomas Zdechovsky (EPP, Czechia) said: “Kazakhstan has been an essential partner since it gained independence in 1991. Today, the relationship is more crucial than ever due to China’s economic race, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and Russia’s war in Ukraine”

“Serious political, economic, spiritual, and cultural foundations have been created for the further development of Kazakhstan,” said Samat Nurtaza, Kazak MP, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security of the Mazhilis. “Legislative reforms are carried out on an ongoing basis.”

Nurtaza emphasised that the main goal is to create a prosperous society based on a developed economy, universal labour opportunities, and a strong state, paving the way for Kazakhstan to achieve its development goals.

Multifaceted strategic partnership

The EU is transforming its relationship with Kazakhstan from a resource-centric alliance into a dynamic, multifaceted strategic partnership. As the EU looks to solidify its ties with Central Asia amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Kazakhstan emerges as a vital player, presenting extensive opportunities across diverse sectors, including trade, transportation, critical raw materials, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

On 2 October, the European Parliament hosted a high-level conference that brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU.

The event provided a platform for deepening political dialogue, exploring new avenues for collaboration, and strengthening the economic ties that bind the two partners.

It highlighted how the EU-Kazakhstan relationship has evolved significantly beyond its traditional focus on oil and gas since the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in 2020. Kazakhstan was the first country in Central Asia to conclude such an agreement with the EU, underscoring its strategic importance.

Geopolitical shift

Tomas Zdechovsky, MEP, noted Kazakhstan’s significance for the EU’s energy diversification efforts, stating: “Kazakhstan is already EU’s third-largest supplier of petroleum after Russia and Norway. Thanks to the energy sources from Kazakhstan, the EU can cut off Russian suppliers and gain a democratic trade partner.”

He added that considering recent geopolitical shifts, "Central Asia has become crucial for our security and stability.”

Kazakhstan has also emerged as a key partner for the EU in securing resilient supply chains for critical raw materials. “A promising area of collaboration between the EU and Kazakhstan includes strengthening the supply chain resilience of critical raw materials through the identification and implementation of joint targets,” said Alberto Turkstra of Diplomatic World.

Kazakhstan’s participation as a strategic partner in the European Commission’s Annual Raw Materials Week exemplifies its commitment to collaborating closely with the EU. “This partnership signifies our dedication to working with the EU in critical sectors,” stated Margulan Baimukhan, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the EU.

Boosting connectivity through transportation and logistics

Kazakhstan’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia positions it as a key partner for enhancing transportation and logistics connectivity. The resurgence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) has been driven by geopolitical shifts and the necessity for reliable and safe trade routes.

“Kazakhstan has been taking active measures to modernise and improve its logistics infrastructure and increase the capacity of the route,” Turkstra noted, highlighting Kazakhstan’s proactive approach to positioning itself as a logistics hub.

These efforts align with the EU’s broader connectivity goals, exemplified by the recent €10 billion commitment to address transport bottlenecks and strengthen sustainable transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.

Agriculture and food security: new opportunities for collaboration

Agriculture emerged as a new focus area during the conference, with Kazakhstan’s vast and fertile lands offering the potential for enhancing global food security. “Kazakhstan is the country with such potential," said Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture.

"Kazakhstan has the highest area of cropland. We should also see the strategic potential of Kazakhstan, the role of Kazakhstan to ensure food security at a global level,” he added.

Wojciechowski emphasised the significance of cooperation in agriculture, noting that “during two decades around 2000-2021, we lost 58 million hectares of agricultural land in the world. This is half of the agricultural land in the European Union. It’s a question of food security at the global level in the future, and I think there is potential to increase more collaboration.”

Embracing Kazakhstan’s identity, historical resilience

During the opening ceremony of the recent World Nomad Games, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech highlighting the Kazakh people’s heritage and resilience. “Nomads are born courageous,” he stated, referring to the Kazakh nation’s long-standing ability to face challenges with strength and determination.

By invoking this historical narrative, President Tokayev underscored the country’s readiness to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and take on new roles as a regional leader and reliable partner. The reference to Kazakhstan’s nomadic past was not just a celebration of cultural pride but also a signal of the nation’s commitment to progress and modernisation.

Fostering personal ties

Beyond the economic and strategic dimensions, the conference underscored the importance of expanding people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between the EU and Kazakhstan.

“It’s not only about goods,” Turkstra stated, emphasising that connectivity must also encompass human interactions. Enhanced cooperation can help build mutual trust and understanding, which are vital for the long-term sustainability of the partnership.

The EU-Kazakhstan strategic partnership is poised for further growth, setting the stage for a diversified and resilient relationship that not only benefits both parties but also contributes to regional and global stability.

[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]