Published on
December 8, 2025
Belgium and Kazakhstan’s travel cooperation has strengthened as the European Union moves to simplify visa procedures for Kazakh citizens, a significant step toward deeper diplomatic and economic ties. This decision, announced following high-level discussions in Brussels, aims to facilitate greater mobility and encourage people-to-people exchanges, especially as Kazakhstan commits to supporting a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia. By easing visa requirements, the EU is fostering closer collaboration in trade, energy, and investment, paving the way for enhanced partnerships between the two regions.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the growing partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan, Brussels has initiated steps to simplify visa procedures for Kazakh citizens. This effort is part of a broader agenda to strengthen ties between the two regions, coinciding with a commitment from Kazakhstan to support a €12 billion investment package aimed at boosting Central Asia’s economy.
This new development follows a series of diplomatic meetings and is seen as a testament to the growing collaboration between Belgium and Kazakhstan in various fields, including energy, trade, and investment. With both regions focused on mutual growth, this shift in visa policies marks a pivotal moment in their longstanding relationship, signaling future opportunities for deeper engagement across sectors.
Streamlining Visa Procedures for Kazakh Citizens
Currently, Kazakh citizens face significant hurdles when it comes to obtaining visas to the European Union. While EU nationals can enter Kazakhstan with ease, Kazakh citizens often must navigate a complex process that requires multiple documents and long waiting periods for visa appointments. This contrast in visa requirements has often been a point of contention, particularly as Kazakhstan continues to develop as a key partner in Central Asia and Europe’s broader geopolitical framework.
During his first official visit to Kazakhstan in early December, European Union Council President António Costa affirmed the EU’s commitment to easing these bureaucratic barriers. He emphasized that the simplification of visa procedures was a step in the right direction to encourage people-to-people exchanges and promote stronger ties between the EU and Kazakhstan. This new approach will streamline the application process, making it quicker and more accessible for Kazakh citizens to visit the EU, whether for business, tourism, or academic purposes.
The decision follows discussions at the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council held in Brussels, marking another milestone in the relationship between the two regions. The EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, which has been instrumental in shaping the diplomatic dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan, has been a critical platform for addressing various issues, including trade, security, and cultural cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s Strategic Role in European Energy Security
One of the driving forces behind this new wave of cooperation is Kazakhstan’s crucial role in European energy security. Following the recent attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), Kazakhstan pledged to maintain stable energy supplies to Europe, underscoring the significance of the country’s oil exports to the EU. The CPC, which is responsible for transporting around 80 percent of Kazakhstan’s oil, is a vital infrastructure link that connects Kazakhstan to European markets. The attack on the CPC earlier this year highlighted the vulnerabilities within the global energy supply chain, especially for countries heavily dependent on energy imports.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to ensuring a steady flow of oil to Europe comes at a time when energy security is of paramount importance for the EU. With geopolitical tensions impacting global energy supplies, Kazakhstan’s stability in this area has become increasingly crucial. The EU’s efforts to enhance its energy partnerships in Central Asia align with the bloc’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on more unstable regions.
The partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan is expected to grow stronger as the two sides continue to explore new ways to enhance energy cooperation, including the development of renewable energy resources. Kazakhstan, with its vast natural resources, stands as an essential ally in Europe’s quest for a more secure and diversified energy landscape.
The 10th Anniversary of the EU-Kazakhstan Partnership
The timing of these developments is particularly symbolic, as they coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and Kazakhstan. Signed in December 2015, the EPCA was the first such agreement between the EU and a Central Asian country, and it set the stage for a more comprehensive and strategic relationship. Over the past decade, the EU and Kazakhstan have built a robust partnership in various sectors, ranging from trade and investment to science and technology.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the EU and Kazakhstan, and the recent steps to simplify visa requirements signal the next phase in this evolving relationship. Both sides have demonstrated a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation, with Kazakhstan offering vital support to Europe’s energy needs while the EU continues to provide significant investment and technological expertise to Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s €12 Billion Investment Package for Central Asia
Alongside the visa simplifications, Kazakhstan has also pledged a substantial €12 billion investment package aimed at enhancing economic development in Central Asia. This package is intended to strengthen Kazakhstan’s economic influence in the region, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. The investment is expected to spur growth in Central Asia, creating jobs and promoting regional stability through economic development.
The €12 billion investment package will not only benefit Kazakhstan but also has the potential to positively impact neighboring countries in Central Asia. The strategic investments in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure will create stronger regional ties and open up new opportunities for European businesses looking to invest in the region. Kazakhstan’s proactive approach to fostering regional economic development positions it as a central player in Central Asia’s economic future.
EU-Central Asia Relations: A Strategic Shift
The recent changes in visa policies and Kazakhstan’s commitment to energy security come at a time when the EU is looking to strengthen its ties with Central Asia as part of a broader strategy to elevate interregional partnerships to a strategic level. This was one of the key outcomes of the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, which took place in April in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. At the summit, leaders from both regions agreed to work together to develop a more strategic partnership, with a focus on addressing common challenges such as energy security, trade, and environmental sustainability.
By deepening its engagement with Central Asia, the EU is not only addressing its immediate energy needs but also creating long-term opportunities for economic collaboration. The simplification of visa requirements for Kazakh citizens is a reflection of this strategic shift, as the EU seeks to create stronger people-to-people links and facilitate greater mobility between the regions. This will pave the way for increased tourism, business exchanges, and academic cooperation, further solidifying the ties between Kazakhstan and the EU.
The Future of EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation
Looking ahead, the future of EU-Kazakhstan cooperation appears bright. As both regions continue to align their interests, the potential for growth in trade, investment, and diplomatic relations is substantial. The simplification of visa processes for Kazakh citizens is just the beginning of a deeper engagement that could pave the way for even more extensive cooperation in the years to come.
The 10th anniversary of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides a fitting backdrop for these new developments, reinforcing the idea that both sides are committed to a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests. With Kazakhstan’s strategic role in energy, its growing economic influence, and the EU’s commitment to regional development, the relationship between Brussels and Astana (the capital of Kazakhstan) will undoubtedly continue to evolve into a more dynamic and multifaceted partnership.
Belgium and Kazakhstan’s travel ties have strengthened as the EU simplifies visa requirements for Kazakh citizens, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing economic and diplomatic cooperation. This move comes alongside Kazakhstan’s pledge to support a €12 billion investment package, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two regions.
The recent steps taken by the EU and Kazakhstan to simplify visa requirements, coupled with Kazakhstan’s energy commitments and significant investments in Central Asia, represent a new chapter in the cooperation between the two regions. With these developments, both sides are laying the foundation for a future marked by deeper integration, increased trade, and a shared commitment to regional stability and growth.
