Ten years after the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union, our relationship has developed into a broad and dynamic partnership. This partnership encompasses political dialogue, cooperation in the fields of security and economic development, as well as multilateral diplomacy, connectivity and innovation. In an era of geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, Kazakhstan remains a stable, constructive and promising partner for the EU.

At the multilateral level, we cooperate closely to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, promote peaceful solutions, and strengthen an international system based on rules and cooperation, as well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. Kazakhstan’s diplomatic activities – from conflict prevention to participation in global forums – are in line with the EU’s priorities of promoting peace, establishing dialogue, reducing tensions and strengthening international partnerships. Thanks to this shared vision, our relationship has become more strategic and our cooperation has become more relevant in the modern geopolitical context, for example in the area of preventing sanctions circumvention. Ending the war and establishing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine is a shared priority for Kazakhstan and the EU.
Another area of our partnership that is seeing tangible results is transport connectivity. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor has gained strategic importance as a reliable and sustainable bridge between Central Asia and Europe. Thanks to more than €10 billion in European and international investments, the Middle Corridor is becoming faster, more efficient and largely digital. Strengthening this route is crucial not only for trade, but also for creating a more resilient Eurasian transport infrastructure architecture that reduces vulnerability and diversifies Europe’s connections with other countries in the region.
Economic ties remain a strong and important pillar of our partnership. More than 4,000 European companies operate in Kazakhstan, and cooperation under the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs, as well as expanding people-to-people contacts, are a clear reflection of our investment in long-term modernization. Negotiations on visa facilitation will further strengthen this interaction, contributing to the development of business, innovation and academic ties. Another important and strategic aspect of our partnership is ensuring the supply of critical raw materials, energy resources and technologies that underpin the green and digital transition of Kazakhstan and Europe.
Recent supply disruptions have highlighted the risks of over-reliance on a small number of global suppliers. The Kazakhstan-EU partnership has a unique opportunity to address these challenges. It can help accelerate energy diversification, increase investment in renewable energy sources, support technological development, and deliver a significant share of the raw materials that the EU considers crucial. Our Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials, Batteries, and Green Hydrogen, as well as our joint roadmap for 2025-2026, provide a solid foundation for realizing this potential.
Our shared future goal is to identify strategic and high-impact projects that will deepen our cooperation in processing and recycling, as well as foster innovation in areas such as geological exploration, battery recycling and clean hydrogen. This is not just about materials, but also about developing sustainable, future-oriented value chains that will contribute to the modernization of Kazakhstan's industrial sector, while strengthening the EU's competitiveness.
The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed 10 years ago, and now the direction of our cooperation is clearly defined. We are building a partnership that promotes peace, strengthens global cooperation, strengthens sustainable ties, and supports the long-term stability of Kazakhstan and Europe.
The next decade should be marked by implementation: strengthening value chains, modernizing infrastructure, deepening technological cooperation, and implementing concrete joint projects. Kazakhstan is a reliable partner on this path. “Together, we can turn common challenges into shared advantages and create a secure, sustainable, and competitive future for both sides.

Antonio Costa,
President of the European Council

Source: https://egemen.kz/article/400798-europalyq-odaq-pen-qazaqstan-syn-qaterlerdi-ortaq-mumkindikterge-aynaldırıp-kele