Kazakhstan and European Commission Discuss Implementation of Projects on Critical Raw Materials and Sustainable Development

Astana, June 5, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a meeting with Joaquim Nunes de Almeida, Director for Mobility and Energy-Intensive Industries at the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) of the European Commission.

The meeting focused on prospects for deepening the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union in the areas of critical raw materials, sustainable supply chains, and technological cooperation. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness for joint exploration and processing of critical minerals identified as priority by the EU, with a view to exporting higher value-added products.

Special attention was paid to mechanisms for attracting investment in geological exploration. Discussions covered state support measures, including tax and customs incentives, investment protection guarantees, and infrastructure development.

Deputy Minister Kuantyrov noted that cooperation with the EU in the field of critical raw materials is a strategic component of Kazakhstan’s foreign economic agenda: “Kazakhstan has already established itself as a reliable partner for European industries. We are creating the most transparent and predictable conditions for investors, including legislative stability, tax benefits, and streamlined procedures. Today’s dialogue with representatives of the European Commission reaffirms our mutual interest in long-term and pragmatic cooperation – from exploration to sustainable supply chains and scientific exchanges.”

Emphasizing the importance of partnership with Kazakhstan, Joaquim Nunes de Almeida highlighted the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation: “We highly value our cooperation with Kazakhstan and consider it a key partner in ensuring the resilience of the European Union’s supply chains. Your region plays a vital role in the implementation of our strategy to secure access to critical resources. I am confident that our joint efforts will help establish a stable, mutually beneficial, and long-term platform for collaboration.”

The interlocutors also explored opportunities for cooperation within the Global Gateway initiative and Kazakhstan’s involvement in sustainable development projects, including in the context of the European Green Deal.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed readiness to continue cooperation, including support for joint projects, technology exchange, and academic partnerships.