EU Report Signals Renewed Regional Cooperation
EU Parliament endorses Central Asia strategy, embodies ties with Kazakhstan
ASTANA – A new resolution, approved by the European Parliament (EP) on Jan. 17, assesses the European Union’s (EU) strategy for Central Asia, marking a significant milestone in the EU’s strategy towards the region. The strategy emphasizes cooperation on sustainable development, enhanced connectivity, energy, critical raw materials, and security, highlighting Kazakhstan as a notable partner.
The resolution acknowledges Kazakhstan as the first Central Asian country to ratify the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCA) with the EU, lauding recent memorandums of understanding between Kazakhstan and the EU focusing on strategic partnerships in sustainable raw materials, renewable hydrogen value chains, and other sectors.
Amid current geopolitical shifts, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, has grown in significance, serving as an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe that avoids crossing Russian territory. Additionally, there is an increased emphasis on promoting regional integration along the Middle Corridor.
The report addresses the crucial role of Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, in ensuring stability in Afghanistan, including providing humanitarian aid, electricity, trade opportunities, and joint connectivity projects.
The EU and Kazakhstan are both committed to long-term carbon neutrality, with the European parliamentarians calling for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Kazakhstan, in turn, aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 through the development of clean energy projects and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
On economic cooperation, the report emphasizes the importance of a positive investment climate for Central Asia and EU-Central Asian trade and cooperation, noting the EU’s status as Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partner.
Furthermore, the report reflects on the interest of Central Asian states in initiating a dialogue with the EU for visa liberalization, with an encouragement for the European Commission to develop roadmaps for visa facilitation and readmission agreements.
Aigul Kuspan, chairwoman of the Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis, voiced her perspective on the outcomes of the document, highlighting the European Parliament’s ability to play a significant role in the development of interaction between Kazakhstan and the EU.
Political pundit Aidos Sarym weighed in on the report, calling for intensified EU interaction with Central Asia while addressing differences in opinion on political persecution.
In summary, the resolution embodies the strengthening of ties between the EU and Central Asia, with a notable focus on Kazakhstan as a key partner in achieving mutual strategic goals.
