A roundtable discussion titled “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, experts, think tank representatives and media organizations, DKNews.kz reports.
The event focused on Kazakhstan’s ongoing reforms and the future development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
Strong interest from European policymakers
The discussion attracted significant attention from European political and expert circles, with around 70 participants taking part.
Speakers highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role in Central Asia and its importance as a bridge between Europe and the region.
Opening the event, Alberto Turkstra, Project Director at Diplomatic World, emphasized the value of political dialogue between Kazakhstan and the European Union and noted the country’s increasing regional significance.
Kazakhstan’s transformation praised by European lawmakers
Thierry Mariani, Member of the European Parliament from France and former French Minister of Transport, stressed the importance of strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and described Kazakhstan as one of the European Union’s key partners in Central Asia.
Recalling his first visit to Kazakhstan in 1993, he reflected on the country’s development over the past decades.
«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.»
He also noted that Kazakhstan is the European Union’s leading trade and investment partner in Central Asia, while the EU occupies the same position for Kazakhstan.
Speaking about the country’s constitutional reforms, Mariani encouraged participants to visit Kazakhstan and observe the changes firsthand.
Constitutional reforms and democratic development discussed
Roman Vassilenko, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the European Union, outlined the objectives of the political reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at:
- strengthening state institutions
- expanding political participation
- increasing government transparency
- enhancing the rule of law
- improving checks and balances within the political system
He highlighted the nationwide referendum on the new Constitution held on March 15 as a major milestone in the modernization process.
The new Constitution will enter into force on July 1.
Vassilenko noted that the referendum results reflected public support for institutional modernization and the vision of building a Just Kazakhstan.
European Parliament members welcome reforms
Virginie Joron, Member of the European Parliament from France and a member of the Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Central Asia, said Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms have attracted considerable attention within European institutions.
According to her, the country continues to make progress in strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance.
Tomasz Froelich, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, also welcomed the reforms and emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic importance for Europe.
He highlighted the country’s role in:
- energy security
- diversification of transport routes
- strengthening EU–Central Asia connectivity
Focus on transport, energy and innovation
Michel De Kemmeter, Professor at the Brussels School of Governance and founder of the Brussels Club, spoke about Kazakhstan’s growing role in connecting Europe and Asia.
He highlighted several key areas of cooperation:
- the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor)
- critical raw materials
- higher education
- scientific research
Participants also discussed opportunities for cooperation in:
- transport and logistics
- conventional and renewable energy
- innovation
- research projects under the Horizon Europe programme
Growing people-to-people connections
Special attention was given to strengthening human and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
Roman Vassilenko highlighted the upcoming signing of the Horizontal Air Services Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, as well as progress in negotiations on visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens.
Participants also welcomed the dynamic development of cooperation within the Central Asian “Five” format, noting its growing importance in international political and economic affairs.
Why this matters
The discussion in the European Parliament reflects growing European interest in Kazakhstan’s political and economic transformation.
As constitutional reforms advance and cooperation expands in areas such as trade, transport, energy, education and connectivity, Kazakhstan is increasingly positioning itself as one of the European Union’s most important partners in Central Asia and a key link between Europe and Asia.
