Kazakhstan, EU agree on visa facilitation and sign deals worth billions of euros

Kazakhstan and the European Union are set to enhance their relationship with an agreement on visa facilitation and a deepened strategic partnership, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's official visit to Brussels. A key achievement of the visit was the conclusion of expert-level negotiations on both visa facilitation and readmission agreements.

During meetings with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 23, President Tokayev and EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The EU remains Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partner, and both parties pledged to expand collaboration across vital sectors such as transport, energy, critical raw materials, digitalization, and advanced technologies.

Particular emphasis was placed on developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, recognized by both sides as a crucial corridor connecting Europe and Asia. Cooperation is also set to deepen in the energy sector, including oil and gas, uranium supplies, peaceful nuclear energy, battery production, and green hydrogen value chains. Educational and research exchanges through programs like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe will also see increased collaboration.

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The agreements and memorandums worth more than $12 billion were signed during the visit.

The visit was marked by the signing of substantial economic agreements, totaling over $12 billion. Notable among these was a contract between Air Astana and Airbus for up to 50 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, valued at €7.145 billion. Additionally, the European Investment Bank committed €150 million to support transport connectivity projects in Kazakhstan. President Tokayev highlighted these deals as a testament to European investors' confidence in Kazakhstan's economy and its ongoing reform agenda.

The European Union welcomed Kazakhstan's recent political reforms and expressed readiness for continued dialogue on human rights, the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and sanctions policy. Brussels also underscored the importance of the EU-Central Asia strategic partnership, viewing enhanced regional cooperation as vital for sustainable development and economic stability.

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The deals reflect European investors’ confidence in Kazakhstan’s economy and ongoing reform agenda.