by Roman Y. VASSILENKO, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium
Europe has long viewed Kazakhstan through the lens of geography: a vast country at the heart of Eurasia, between Russia and China and thousands of kilometres from Brussels. But geography tells only part of the story. Kazakhstan is changing — and the direction of that change matters to Europe.
On 23 August, Kazakhstan will hold its first elections to the Kurultai, the new highest representative body established under our new Constitution. The elections represent an important stage in the political modernisation and the building of a Just Kazakhstan initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The new Kurultai and the elections to it are part of a broader effort to strengthen representative institutions, widen political participation and build a more resilient political system. A total of seven political parties compete in the elections, seeking to clear the 5 per cent threshold.
As a Kazakh saying goes, “Where there is unity, there is strength.” For us, the strength of a modern state rests not only on economic performance, but also on effective institutions, public participation and confidence in the future.
As we approach this critical milestone, it is important to put it in a broader geopolitical context, including our cooperation with the world and with the European Union.
Reforms and economic resilience
Political change is taking place alongside significant economic transformation. In 2025, Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 6.5%, with nominal GDP reaching approximately $306 billion. Despite geopolitical turbulence and a decline in oil production, the economy continued to grow in the first seven months of 2026, at a rate of 4.1%, increasingly supported by the non-resource sector.
Kazakhstan remains Central Asia’s largest economy, making up more than half of the region’s GDP and has attracted more than $450 billion in foreign investment since independence. Yet, we recognise that long-term resilience requires further diversification: developing higher-value industries, strengthening human capital, and investing in technology and innovation.
Digitalisation is already transforming the country. Around 90% of government services are available online, and Kazakhstan ranks 24th among 193 countries in the UN E-Government Development Index.
Kazakhstan is also building its own AI capacity. Two high-performance supercomputers are already operational, providing computing power for AI research, business and government and opening new opportunities for cooperation with European partners.
Energy security and reliable routes
For Europe, reliable energy supplies, critical raw materials and resilient transport networks have become strategic priorities. Kazakhstan contributes to all three.
We are, by far, the world’s largest uranium producer, and have significant reserves of oil, gas and other natural resources. But our ambition is not simply to export raw materials. We want to develop processing, technology and manufacturing and create greater value at home. For European partners, this can contribute to more diversified and resilient supply chains.
Recent drone attacks on civilian oil tankers operating at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal in the Black Sea have demonstrated why such resilience matters. The attacks disrupted loading operations and highlighted the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to geopolitical risks.
This reinforces the importance of maintaining reliable existing infrastructure while developing alternative routes. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or the Middle Corridor, is central to this effort, linking Central Asia through the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus with European markets.
Its purpose is not to replace one route with another, but to create a more diversified and resilient network between Europe and Asia.
During President Tokayev’s official visit to Brussels last June, Kazakhstan and the EU reaffirmed the importance of this connectivity agenda. The European Investment Bank signed agreements supporting transport connectivity, while the two sides also agreed to expand air connectivity.
A partnership with room to grow
The European Union is Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner. Bilateral trade reached $45 billion last year, while European investments in Kazakhstan since 2005 exceeded $210 billion. More than 4,000 companies with European capital are operating in Kazakhstan, contributing to industrial development, technology transfer and employment.
Much of this relationship remains concentrated in energy and mining. This reflects the strength of existing ties, but also points to their potential for diversification.
The next stage can encompass artificial intelligence, advanced technology, renewable energy, critical materials, finance, education and skills development. Kazakhstan and the EU have already established strategic cooperation in areas including sustainable raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen. The task now is to turn this framework into concrete projects, investment and jobs.
For Kazakhstan, Europe is more than a market. It is a partner in modernisation, technology transfer and the development of new industries.
For Europe, Kazakhstan is more than a source of raw materials. We are an established and trusted energy partner and an increasingly important transport, investment and technology partner.
This is the broader context in which the 23 August elections should be viewed.
Kazakhstan is renewing its institutions while strengthening the foundations for a more diversified and resilient economy. We believe these processes reinforce one another. Stronger institutions, public confidence and continued reform create the predictability needed for sustainable development and long-term international partnerships.
A more democratic and resilient Kazakhstan is not only our national ambition. It also means a stronger partner for Europe.
Once we reinforce the democratic roots and resilience of our political system through these elections, we look forward to deepening practical cooperation with our European partners — building together a more resilient, connected and forward-looking partnership.
Picture credits
Cover picture: Astana Times
Girl voting: Embassy of Kazakhstan