European Parliament Event Welcomes Kazakhstan’s Political Modernization and the Development of Strategic Partnership with the EU

A roundtable discussion entitled “Kazakhstan’s New Political Modernization and the Future of the Kazakhstan–EU Strategic Partnership” was held at the European Parliament, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, diplomats, representatives of the expert community, think tanks, and media organizations to discuss the reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan and the prospects for further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.

The event generated significant interest among European political and expert circles. Approximately 70 participants took part in the discussion, demonstrating the high level of attention being paid to the transformations taking place in Kazakhstan and the country’s role in fostering cooperation between Europe and Central Asia.

Opening the event, the moderator of the discussion, Alberto Turkstra, Project Director at Diplomatic World, emphasized the importance of political dialogue between the European Union and Kazakhstan, as well as the country’s growing role in Central Asia.

Roman Vassilenko, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the European Union, stated that the large-scale political reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev are aimed at strengthening state institutions, expanding citizens’ political participation, and increasing government transparency.

According to him, a major milestone in this process was the successful nationwide referendum on the new Constitution held on March 15. The new Constitution, which will enter into force on July 1, further consolidates the democratization of the political system, strengthens checks and balances, expands the role of representative institutions, and reinforces the rule of law. The Ambassador noted that the referendum results reflect society’s desire for the consistent modernization of state institutions and more effective public administration, as well as clear support for the President’s vision of building a Just Kazakhstan.

Thierry Mariani, Member of the European Parliament from France and former French Minister of Transport, highlighted the importance of strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and underscored Kazakhstan’s strategic role as one of the European Union’s key partners in Central Asia. He recalled first visiting Kazakhstan in 1993 and noted that he had witnessed the country’s remarkable transformation over the years.

“Kazakhstan has come a long way in its political and economic modernization. Over the years, the country has achieved impressive results in economic development, state-building, and international cooperation,” the MEP stated. He emphasized that Kazakhstan is the European Union’s key trade and investment partner in Central Asia, while the EU holds the same position for Kazakhstan.

Referring to the significance of Kazakhstan’s ongoing constitutional reform, Thierry Mariani stressed that an objective assessment of these developments can only be made through firsthand experience of the country. He encouraged participants to visit Kazakhstan to see the results of the reforms and the country’s dynamic development for themselves.

Virginie Joron, Member of the European Parliament from France and a member of the Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Central Asia, noted that Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms have attracted considerable interest within the European Parliament. According to her, the country continues to make progress in strengthening democratic institutions and improving public governance, developments that are welcomed by international partners.

For his part, Tomasz Froelich, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, welcomed the reforms and emphasized the strategic importance of Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole for the European Union, particularly in the context of energy security and the diversification of transport and logistics routes.

Another speaker, Michel De Kemmeter, Professor at the Brussels School of Governance (VUB) and founder of the Brussels Club, highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role in establishing sustainable transport and economic links between Europe and Asia. He paid particular attention to the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”), cooperation in critical raw materials, and collaboration in higher education and science.

During the substantive discussion, participants examined prospects for Kazakhstan–EU cooperation in transport and logistics, conventional and renewable energy resources, innovation, and research within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme.

Particular attention was paid to the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts. In this regard, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan emphasized the significance of the upcoming signing of the Horizontal Air Services Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as the substantial progress achieved in negotiations on visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens.

The audience also warmly welcomed information about the constructive and dynamic development of cooperation within the Central Asian “Five” format, which is strengthening the region’s standing as an increasingly important actor in global political and economic affairs.

At the conclusion of the event, participants noted that Kazakhstan’s political modernization is creating a solid foundation for further strengthening its strategic partnership with the European Union and opening new opportunities for long-term cooperation in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.