Brussels, December 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan–European Union Cooperation Council was held in Brussels under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, according to media reports citing the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting carried special significance as it convened on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the European Union and its member states.
During the session, both sides reviewed the achievements of a decade-long strategic partnership and held comprehensive discussions on future priorities. It was reaffirmed that economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of bilateral relations. The European Union continues to be Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 50 billion in 2024 and total European investment exceeding USD 200 billion. More than 4,000 companies with European participation are currently operating in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh side expressed readiness to further diversify exports, particularly by increasing access of domestic agricultural products to the EU market.
A substantial portion of the discussions focused on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor). Against the backdrop of shifting global supply chains, the parties reaffirmed the strategic relevance of this route as a secure and sustainable link between Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan emphasized its commitment to deepening cooperation with the EU and regional partners to further advance the corridor’s infrastructure and connectivity.
The meeting also addressed cooperation in green and digital transformation. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening collaboration in these areas, which are critical to Kazakhstan’s economic modernization and the EU’s industrial resilience.
Participants highlighted the importance of interparliamentary engagement, noting the successful 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee held in Brussels in November 2025.
Special attention was devoted to expanding people-to-people exchanges. The parties welcomed the commencement of negotiations on December 2 in Brussels regarding visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens and readmission agreements. This step is expected to further deepen humanitarian ties, expand opportunities for academic and professional exchanges, and enhance mobility between the two sides.
In reviewing interregional cooperation, both sides underscored the landmark decision adopted at the first Central Asia–EU Summit held in Samarkand in April 2025, where the partnership format was officially elevated to a strategic level.
Delegation heads noted that Kazakhstan and the European Union have developed a mature, resilient, and forward-looking partnership. The EPCA—covering 29 priority areas—has demonstrated its lasting relevance and continues to serve as a strong foundation for deepening cooperation and building mutual trust.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev and High Representative Kallas reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and investment, enhancing regional connectivity, and deepening cooperation across the humanitarian sphere.
