The EU and Kazakhstan in the latest geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions: New dimensions of partnership

Abstract

In the article, the authors analyze the state of relations between the EU and Kazakhstan in recent times, taking into account the adjustments in global economic relations, transport, and logistics routes in Eurasia, resulting from the war in Ukraine. The difficulties in their partnership stem primarily from the lack of an alternative to the Northern route. The authors examine these challenges and the prospects of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to provide that alternative. Special attention is paid to the EU’s “Global Gateway” program, initiated at the end of 2022, representing a new milestone in the relations between the EU and the Central-Asian countries, especially Kazakhstan. This program is in direct competition with China’s “Belt and Road” project, such that a comparison will reveal its opportunities. As will be discussed, one of the most important areas for such cooperation is Kazakhstan’s energy sector, including the development of green hydrogen, by which the EU aims to diversify its suppliers. The article concludes that while the consequences of the war in Ukraine have challenged the economic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU, they have opened up new areas for its strengthening. The European Union, for its part, is deepening its involvement in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, focusing on regionalization, the ecologization of economic systems and relations, and quality management.