A Round Table on Democratic Reforms in Kazakhstan Held at the Council of Europe

Strasbourg, September 30, 2025 – On the margins of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a round table titled “Kazakhstan’s Path to Prosperity: Democratic Reforms and Unity through Parliamentary Diplomacy” was held with the participation of PACE members, Council of Europe leadership, representatives of international think-tanks, and the diplomatic corps.

The event featured speeches by Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Elisabetta Gardini, Vice-President of PACE; Zsolt Nemeth, PACE Rapporteur on Kazakhstan; Emmanuel Dupuy, President of the Prospective and Security Institute in Europe; David Chikvaidze, Vice President of the Swiss Forum on International Affairs; Michaël Levystone, Co-founder of the New Eurasia Observatory; and Lukas Aubin, Research Director at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs.

Participants discussed the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiatives aimed at building a “Just Kazakhstan”, with priorities including openness and accountability of government, the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity, and the development of inclusive and transparent governance. Particular attention was given to the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for strengthening national unity, fostering societal dialogue, and expanding international cooperation.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that the constitutional and legislative reforms carried out in Kazakhstan – including the transition from a super-presidential system to a presidential republic with a strong Parliament and an accountable Government – marked an important step in the country’s democratic transformation.

International experts, as well as representatives of the Council of Europe and PACE, highly appreciated Kazakhstan’s progress in advancing human rights practices, strengthening the rule of law, and developing democratic institutions, while confirming their readiness to further deepen cooperation.