Kazakhstan and the EU Strengthen Cooperation in Energy, Transportation and the Environment

Brussels, March 5, 2025. - The 8th meeting of the Subcommittee on Energy, Transport, Environment and Climate Change within the framework of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union was held under the chairmanship of Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

The meeting was attended by representatives of government agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union. The EU delegation was represented by Andrea Rossi, Deputy Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service of the EU.

During the meeting, the parties noted the successful implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU on strategic Partnership in the field of sustainable raw materials, batteries and green hydrogen Value Chains and the Roadmap for 2022-2024, discussed the expansion of cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources, hydrogen technologies and energy efficiency, as well as the development of transport.

Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov emphasized in his speech that Kazakhstan considers the European Union as one of their key partners in the implementation of strategic initiatives on energy transition. He called for joint work on the creation of high-tech capacities, sustainable supply chains, the introduction of green technologies and attracting investments in projects of deep processing of raw materials, renewable energy and localization of production.

The participants stressed the importance of strengthening transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia and welcomed the launch of the Coordination Platform for the Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Issues related to the modernization of transport infrastructure, the introduction of digital solutions in logistics and the harmonization of standards were discussed, which will simplify trade. and cargo transit.

In the field of "green energy", the Kazakh side confirmed its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and highly appreciated the EU's support in the development of climate change adaptation projects in the country.

In the field of water resources, the Kazakh side expressed its readiness to deepen cooperation with the European Union, introduce advanced technologies, develop innovative approaches to water conservation and improve the water management system.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed on concrete measures to implement joint initiatives and mobilize investments in sustainable infrastructure, energy and environmental projects. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation, and stressed the importance of sharing experiences and best practices in the field of sustainable development.

The next 9th meeting of the Kazakhstan–EU Subcommittee on Energy, Transport, Environment and Climate Change is scheduled to be held in Astana in 2026.

For reference: The European Union is the main trade and investment partner of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The EU accounts for about half of Kazakhstan's foreign trade and accumulated foreign investments. The Republic of Kazakhstan has been a reliable partner of the European Union in the energy sector for many years, providing about 10% of its oil imports.

Kazakhstan's trade turnover with EU countries in 2024 amounted to 48.7 billion dollars, exports – 38.1 billion dollars, imports – 10.6 billion dollars (+36.7%). In the three quarters of 2024, the inflow of direct investments from EU countries to Kazakhstan amounted to 6.4 billion dollars.