EU-Kazakhstan relations have strengthened significantly over the past decade, accelerating after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an analyst has told TVP World. According to Bruce Pannier from the Caspian Policy Center, Kazakhstan has become a vital trade and energy partner for Europe, thanks to its position on the Middle Corridor—a route linking China and Europe without crossing Russia. While Moscow resents losing its northern route, Beijing has backed the corridor and invested heavily in Kazakhstan, giving China political leverage. Despite Astana’s efforts, some sanctioned goods still reach Russia through Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Europe depends on Kazakh oil, uranium and critical minerals, with new deals focusing on local resource processing.
