Strengthening Ties, Facing New Realities: Is the EU-Kazakhstan Partnership Ready for a New Chapter?
The 21st EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council meeting held on 14 October 2024 in Luxembourg highlighted the rapidly accelerating cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan. As both sides are facing the challenges of navigating global trade, security and governance shifts, their cooperation has rapidly expanded across a range of strategic areas in recent years. As a result, the meeting in Luxembourg addressed key topics such as economic cooperation and the rule of law, while also highlighting their mutual interest in developing sustainable infrastructure through initiatives like the Global Gateway.
With the newly formed European Parliament in place, the incoming European Commission, and the upcoming EU Presidency trio of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus set to begin in 2025, the EU’s approach to Central Asia could see significant developments. The new leadership will be defining the EU’s next strategic priorities, which will shape its future engagement with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.