President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the leadership of the European Union (EU) in Brussels, following which the parties signed a joint statement and a number of agreements in the areas of transport, investment and critical raw materials. Negotiations on agreements to simplify the visa regime and readmission were also concluded.
WHICH DOCUMENTS DID THE PARTIES SIGN
According to the press service of the European Commission, during the meeting the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the development of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU.
The parties signed a joint statement, as well as several agreements concerning transport connectivity, aviation links and cooperation in the field of critical raw materials. In addition, commitment to implementing investment projects under the Global Gateway strategy was confirmed.
WHAT THE AVIATION AGREEMENT ENTAILS
One of the key documents was the Horizontal Aviation Agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan.
According to the document, airlines from all EU member states will be able to operate flights between Kazakhstan and the 17 EU countries that already have air service agreements with Kazakhstan. It is noted that previously these opportunities were mainly used by carriers owned by the relevant states or their citizens.
The European Commission reported that negotiations on this agreement had continued for more than two decades.
WHICH PROJECTS WILL SUPPORT INVESTMENT
Under the Global Gateway programme, a framework loan agreement worth up to €150 million was signed between the European Investment Bank and JSC «NC «KazAvtoZhol».
The funds will be used to improve roads along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. It is noted that this route is seen as part of direct trade links between East and West.
It is also stated that this decision followed an operation approved by the EU in October 2025 to support the modernisation of the port of Aktau.
WHAT COOPERATION IS ENVISAGED IN THE RAW MATERIALS SECTOR
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Government of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of understanding to support a feasibility study for the construction of an internationally accredited chemical-analytical laboratory for critical raw materials in Astana.
Such laboratories conduct research on substances and materials to ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements. The EU had previously supported a preliminary study of the project.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE VISA ISSUE
Negotiations between the European Commission and Kazakhstan on agreements to simplify the visa regime and readmission (the obligation of a country to take back its own citizens who are illegally present in another country) have been concluded.
After internal adoption procedures are completed, the visa facilitation agreement should make the process of obtaining short-stay EU visas for Kazakhstani citizens easier.
The conclusion of the negotiations was facilitated by cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU in preventing the circumvention of sanctions restrictions.
OUTCOMES OF THE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a business roundtable with the participation of European companies.
During the event, Kazakhstan signed an agreement to acquire up to 50 Airbus aircraft.
