Kazakhstan Seeks Stronger EU Ties in Energy, Critical Minerals, and AI During Tokayev's Brussels Visit - News and Statistics

Jun 23, 2026

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has launched a strategic trip to Brussels, as his government pursues a more robust alliance with the European Union. Astana is promoting itself as a steady source of energy and essential minerals, while also pointing to prospects in artificial intelligence, transport networks, and sustainable energy.

Roman Vassilenko, Kazakhstan’s envoy to the EU, told Euronews that his country sits at the center of Eurasia, sharing borders with Russia and China, but is eager to expand its mutually advantageous relationship with the EU. He called the bloc one of Kazakhstan’s most important global partners, adding that while progress has been made, far more is possible. The ambassador said Tokayev’s visit sends a clear signal that, despite existing strong ties, there is substantial potential for further development.

Trade and investment flows have grown considerably in recent years. European firms have put roughly $210 billion into Kazakhstan, mostly in the energy industry. Yet Vassilenko argued that the greatest unrealized opportunities are elsewhere, pointing to transportation and logistics, critical minerals, AI, green hydrogen, renewable power, and financial services as sectors with strong promise for European investors.

Kazakhstan is also positioning itself as a rising financial center. The Astana International Financial Centre now houses about 5,800 companies from various countries, which the ambassador said reflects the nation’s increasing allure for global business.

Critical minerals are another key element of Kazakhstan’s appeal to Europe. The country already extracts 21 of the 34 materials classified as strategic under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. Rather than just shipping out raw minerals, Kazakhstan wants European partners to fund local processing and share technology. Vassilenko noted that if Europe brings investment and technical know-how, both sides gain from refining critical materials within Kazakhstan.

One major venture has already been labeled a strategic initiative by the European Commission. According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, once operational, this project is anticipated to yield enough graphite for roughly 100,000 electric vehicle batteries each year.

Energy security remains a core element of EU-Kazakh relations. As Europe works to lessen its reliance on Russian energy, Kazakhstan has become a key alternative supplier. It is already the EU’s third-largest source of crude oil. Although Kazakhstan’s export growth faces hurdles from domestic output levels and transport infrastructure, Vassilenko stated that shipments could rise markedly in the coming years. The country now sends about 65 million tonnes of crude to Europe annually, a volume he said might climb to roughly 100 million tonnes within four to five years.

Kazakhstan’s goals go beyond oil. In partnership with a German-Swedish firm, the country intends to start producing around 2 million tonnes of green hydrogen each year starting in 2030, potentially positioning it as a major future supplier of clean energy to Europe. The ambassador said Kazakhstan is determined to remain a vital strategic partner for the EU in energy security, portraying the nation as increasingly resolved to become not just a link between Europe and Asia, but an essential ally in Europe’s economic and energy transformation.

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