Brussels, November 19, 2025 – A roundtable discussion entitled “Strengthening Connectivity between Kazakhstan and the European Union: Prospects and Strategic Potential of the Middle Corridor” was held in the European Parliament. Members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the European Parliament, as well as representatives of government bodies and analytical circles of Kazakhstan and the EU, took part in the discussion.

The event focused on the strategic development of transport links between Europe and Central Asia and the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, also widely known as the “Middle Corridor”) in global logistics.

The roundtable opened with a welcoming speech by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs. He stated that the progress observed in strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union is also driven by the active development of the Middle Corridor. According to him, “this is much more than just a transport connection between Europe and Asia. It is a corridor of opportunity, a bridge of stability, and, moreover, a symbol of strategic autonomy and shared prosperity.”

In addition, MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, head of the EU Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (an interparliamentary forum for cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries), emphasized that against the backdrop of geopolitical upheavals, “Kazakhstan and the Middle Corridor are not merely attracting interest – they are becoming part of Europe’s strategic policy insurance.” He stated that “Kazakhstan demonstrates that a landlocked country can become an important link truly connecting different parts of the world, turning geography into an advantage rather than a limitation.”

The keynote speaker at the event was Aigul Kuspan, Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She stressed that the development of transport connectivity is one of the priority areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, and that the Middle Corridor is becoming a strategic Eurasian bridge. According to her, the tenth anniversary of the Kazakhstan–EU Enhanced partnership demonstrates the resilience and depth of their cooperation.

According to the Mazhilis deputy, Kazakhstan – historically located along the Great Silk Road – is now shaping its modern high-tech version. “The country has become a key transit hub between Europe and Asia: more than 85% of land freight on the East–West axis passes through its territory. Kazakhstan has invested 35 billion dollars in transport infrastructure over the past decade and plans to invest another 15 billion dollars by 2030,” she explained.

1. Kuspan also drew attention to the positive developments in the South Caucasus, which are opening new opportunities for regional cooperation. She noted that Azerbaijan’s decision to lift transit restrictions has already enabled the first shipments of Kazakh grain to Armenia, calling it an example of how “transport logistics can strengthen trust, stability, and peace.”

The Kazakh deputy emphasized that the development of the Middle Corridor will be determined primarily by global economic flows rather than political factors. Its strategic importance lies in ensuring predictable access to global markets, reducing risks, and strengthening economic interdependence.

She highly praised the contribution of the European Union to enhancing transport connectivity between Central Asia and the EU, including commitments of 10 billion euros announced at the first “Central Asia – EU” Investment Forum in 2024, and 12 billion euros at the “CA – EU” Summit held this April in Samarkand. According to her, these initiatives form a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.

Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Roman Vassilenko, stressed that cooperation between Astana and Brussels has intensified even further ten years after the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union.

He stated that the European side’s interest in developing reliable and diversified trade routes fully aligns with Kazakhstan’s long-term strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s role as a key hub connecting continents. The diplomat reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue working constructively with the European Union and regional partners to ensure that new Eurasian corridors become a space of cooperation, predictability, and mutual benefit.

Fabian Van den Eede, Deputy Head of the Central Asia Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, and Samuel Vesterbye, Managing Director of the “European Neighbourhood Council” think tank, also shared their assessments. They noted steady progress in the development of the Middle Corridor and the need for further investment in transport infrastructure, as well as continued coordinated political support for this route.

Following the discussion, participants confirmed a shared view that the Middle Corridor is one of the key elements of the future model of Eurasian connectivity. Thanks to Kazakhstan’s active position and expanding international cooperation, the route’s role as a strategic transport artery – ensuring the resilience of supply chains and creating new opportunities for economic growth – is strengthening.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1108594?lang=kk