Critical raw materials โ€“ How can the EU and Kazakhstan cooperate? [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s recent accession to the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) Forum, which serves as a new platform for cooperation in the CRMs area, also broadened EU-Kazakhstan relations further.
The post Critical raw materials – How can the EU and K…

Caught between two worlds, Central Asiaโ€™s delicate dance with China and Russia evolves [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan could have been squeezed between great powers. Instead, it is emerging as a Central Asian bridging point, cultivating global partners and new markets.
The post Caught between two worlds, Central Asia’s delicate dance with China and Rus…

Mitigating Central Asiaโ€™s water crisis requires collective action, partnership with the West [Advocacy Lab Content]

Central Asia is losing 40 per cent of irrigation water and 55 per cent of drinking water to outdated systems. Climate change exacerbates the risks. How can the West invest in water security?
The post Mitigating Central Asia’s water crisis require…

Kazakhstan holds talks with France on first nuclear power plant

The Uranium-rich nation, which suffers from chronic energy shortages, approved plans to build a nuclear power plant in a referendum earlier this year, despite lingering resentment over massive radiation exposure from Soviet-era nuclear tests.

Kazakhstan increasing oil exports, expanding its presence in European energy market [Advocacy Lab Content]

Over 70 per cent of Kazakhstanโ€™s oil exports go to the EU, making it the blocโ€™s third-largest non-OPEC supplier. Now, itโ€™s upscaling and solidifying its position as a key player in Europeโ€™s energy market.

Ukrainian energy infrastructure heavily hit by Russian drones and missiles

During a visit to Kazakhstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Thursday’s air raids targeting Kyiv were ‘a response’ to Kyiv’s use of American and British missiles against Russian territory.

Putin says Russia could hit โ€˜decision-making centresโ€™ in Kyiv with new missile

Russia has not so far struck Ukrainian government ministries, parliament or the president’s office in the course of the 33-month war.

Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says massive attack by Russia is โ€˜despicable escalationโ€™

Barrage leaves 1 million without power; Putin threatens to use hypersonic missile against Kyiv. What we know on day 1,010See all our Ukraine war coverageUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called Russiaโ€™s massive attack on energy infrastructure…

Putin threatens to hit Kyiv with Oreshnik missiles and praises Trump

Russian president says โ€˜intelligentโ€™ US president-elect will find solution to Ukraine warVladimir Putin has threatened to strike Kyiv with Oreshnik missiles, an intermediate-range weapon that Moscow used against the city of Dnipro last week and that Pu…

EU must invest quickly in Kazakhstanโ€™s rare earths production, for green energy transition and global competition [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s newly discovered lithium deposits ($15.7 billion), and nickel, gold, and rare earth metals reserves ($46 trillion) are attracting global attention. Europe must act now or lose ground to China and the United States.

Kazakhstan fostering stronger trade ties with individual member states, as well as at EU-level [Advocacy Lab Content]

This year marked 31 years since Kazakhstan and the European Union established diplomatic relations. The Central Asian country is looking to deepen cooperation not only with the EU bloc but also with individual member states.

Kazakhstan boosts agricultural exports, enhancing trade with EU [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan is one of the non-European Union countries which will benefit from the European Investment Bankโ€™s โ‚ฌ465 million fund recently approved to support agriculture. Export grow is expected to follow.

Nuclear energy, Kazakhstanโ€™s golden opportunity to engage the West [Advocacy Lab Content]

Following Kazakhstanโ€™s โ€˜Yesโ€™ vote for the construction of a nuclear power plant, the West has a golden opportunity to increase engagement and counterbalance Russia and Chinaโ€™s influence in the uranium-rich country.

โ€˜They want to show no one can escapeโ€™: how the long arm of Russia is reaching out for Putin critics in exile

Moscow is using ties with neighbouring countries to deport and arrest anti-war Russians who fled after invasion of UkraineLev Skoriakin, 23, fled Russia in January 2023 after he was accused of organising a protest outside the FSB security serviceโ€™s hea…

Julian Assangeโ€™s dad thanks Putin for supporting his son

John Shipton, father of anti-secrecy activist Julian Assange, is in Moscow for a summit of the BRICS group of countries.

Russia bans fruit and veg from Kazakhstan after country refuses to join BRICS

Kazakhstanโ€™s decision represents a blow to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

Six Russian soldiers granted French temporary entry permits after fleeing Ukraine

Organisations assisting deserters hope Franceโ€™s decision will lead to more soldiers fleeing war Six Russian soldiers who fled the war in Ukraine have been granted temporary entry permits as they apply for political asylum in France, in what human right…

Kazakhstanโ€™s attempts โ€˜spiritual diplomacyโ€™ amid challenging freedom of religion reports [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan seeks to position itself as a promoter of ‘spiritual diplomacy’ with initiatives such as the Congress of Leaders of the World and Traditional Religions. Despite its efforts, Kazakhstan has yet to deliver on freedom of religion domestically.

Ensuringย Kazakhstanโ€™s regional and global role through peace, reconciliation [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan is advancing its democratic, social, and economic reforms, as integral domains of a ‘vibrant new Kazakhstan’. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wants the country to be an example of a ‘listening state’.

Digital transformation, a cornerstone in EU-Kazakhstan economic and trade partnership [Advocacy Lab Content]

New avenues of collaboration are opening up between the EU and Kazakhstan, particularly in the digital connectivity sector, critical raw materials, and renewable energy.

Half of Kazakhstanโ€™s economic boom driven by European investment [Advocacy Lab Content]

EU investment into Kazakhstan surged by 23 per cent in 2023, totalling $12.5 billion, underscoring the deepening economic ties between the two regions. European Parliament discussions highlighted the extent of this strategic partnership.

Zdechovsky says EU-Kazakhstan partnership now more crucial than ever [Advocacy Lab Content]

The European Union is bolstering its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance cooperation in energy, critical materials, connectivity, and agriculture.

Kazakhstan votes in favour of nuclear power plant construction

The government says a reliable energy supply is needed to supplement renewable sources such as solar and wind power, and, since Kazakhstan is one of the world’s biggest uranium producers, nuclear power is a logical choice.

Putinโ€™s war economy faces pain if Saudis sink global oil prices

A Saudi move to grab market share will squeeze the Kremlin’s finances, experts argue.

Are we asking enough hard questions about Ukraine?

When the dust settles, will the Westโ€™s media coverage get a passing grade, or will we find, at times, we allowed our sympathy for the Ukrainian cause to overlook matters we shouldnโ€™t?

Are we asking enough hard questions about Ukraine?

When the dust settles, will the Westโ€™s media coverage get a passing grade, or will we find, at times, we allowed our sympathy for the Ukrainian cause to overlook matters we shouldnโ€™t?

Kazakh leader urges Scholz to support Chinaโ€™s peace plan for Ukraine

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday (16 September) to give up on the idea that Russia can be defeated on the battlefield and to support China’s peace plan for Ukraine, a suggestion Scholz rejected.

Scholz seeks allies in Central Asia as first chancellor to visit region in decadesย 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is stepping up his outreach to Central Asia, seeking economic synergies and geopolitical coordination as he becomes the first chancellor in decades to visit the region.ย 

Kazakh president announces referendum date on new nuclear power plant, outlines future vision [Advocacy Lab Content]

A nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, and nine key tasks to enhance Kazakhstanโ€™s future were laid out in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevโ€™s state-of-the-nation address.

Kazakhstan offering long-term investment stability for major projects [Advocacy Lab Content]

As global investors look beyond traditional markets, Kazakhstan is emerging as a compelling destination. Its strategic advantages, rich natural resources, and business-friendly environment are attracting investor interest worldwide.

Kazakhstan seeks foreign investment from EU for in-country value-added production [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan, a nation with vast natural resources and ambitious growth targets, is positioning itself intending to double its economy to $450 billion by 2029 and is calling on the EU to invest in new in-country value-added production.

Kazakhstan president calls for Central Asia renaissance as an Asia-EU bridge [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for Central Asia to position itself as a link between Asia and Europe and as a separate regional actor in international relations.

Severe heat causes more than 175,000 deaths annually across European region

Europe keeps warming at about twice the global average.

Youโ€™ve had two years: EU eyerolls at Hungaryโ€™s request for help with Russian oil

After failing to reduce their reliance on Moscow for energy, Hungary and Slovakia now want help from Brussels.

China snatches first Olympic gold in Day One of sporting

China took the first gold of the Paris Olympics on Saturday, as the rain that dampened the opening ceremony took its toll on the first full day of sporting action. In a closely fought final of the mixed-team 10-metre air rifle, teenage duo Sheng Lihao…

Hungary facing fuel crisis as Ukraine turns up heat on Russian oil supplies

Sky-high prices and electricity shortages could hit Hungarians within “weeks” after Kyiv imposed a partial ban on Russian oil passing through its territory.

NATOโ€™s bad boys: Turkey and Hungary play their own game

Turkey and Hungary are preparing for a Trump presidency and charting their own course in the alliance.

The Strange Future After a Second Trump Term

The dollar will decline, Europe will rise, and Asia will nuclearize.

Turkey footballer suspended for wolf gesture a day before ErdoฤŸan attends Euro 2024

Merih Demiralโ€™s goal celebration using a controversial wolfโ€™s head symbol sparked a diplomatic dispute.

Xi and Putin set out ambitions for Eurasian security club

China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin pressed their case on Thursday (4 July) for closer security, political and economic cooperation between countries of the vast Eurasian region as a counterweight to Western alliances.

In Astana, ErdoฤŸan offers help to end Russia-Ukraine war

Turkish President Tayyip ErdoฤŸan told Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (3 July) that Ankara could help end the Ukraine-Russia war, but Putin’s spokesman said ErdoฤŸan could not play the role of an intermediary in the 28-month-old conflict.

Ukraine war briefing: Day of mourning in Dnipro after Russian attack on schools and hospitals

Mayor of city in south-east Ukraine says kindergartens were among buildings hit in strike that killed at least five people. What we know on day 862See all our Ukraine war coverageA day of mourning has been announced for Thursday after a Russian missile…

Putin arrives in Kazakhstan for Russia-China dominated SCO summit

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan on Wednesday (3 July) for regional security and defence talks, the Kremlin said, as well as a series of bilateral meetings, including with Chinese and Turkish leaders.

Why is British politics so unfailingly funny?

Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage walk into a bar. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

Kazakhstan seeks $150 billion of foreign investment in the next five years [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s innovation agenda aims to attract $150 billion of foreign investment in the next five years while doubling the countryโ€™s GDP. Kazakh President Tokayev is looking to Europe to realize the funding project.

Russian pranksters release hoax video call with UKโ€™s David Cameron about Ukraine

Russian pranksters who often target people the Russian state is interested in released footage on Wednesday (26 June) of a video call with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron after tricking him into thinking he was speaking to a former Ukrainian pr…

Kazakhstan emerging as haven for biomedical research and clinical testing [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan, a country with a rich scientific heritage, is positioning itself as a haven for cutting-edge biomedical research and clinical trials. Its innovative approach hinges on fostering close collaboration between universities and industrial partners.

Kazakhstan prepares to host World Nomad Games with European competitors ย  [Advocacy Lab Content]

Ahead of the fifth World Nomad Games, taking place in Astana from 8-13 September, Euractiv spoke with Nail Nurov, Head of the Directorate for World Nomad Games. The Games promise a unique blend of sports, culture, and global competition.

Fortress Hungary has a surprising answer to its population crisis: Migration

Quietly and without much fanfare, Viktor Orbรกnโ€™s government is allowing more and more guest workers into the country.

Kazakhstan boosts European university ties, aims for new research institutes [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s Minister of Science and Education, Sayasat Nurbek, is expanding international collaborations to provide Kazakh youth with new educational opportunities while boosting the economy.

Export controls on Russia might be working better than you think

The fact Moscow is so keen to discredit export controls may well be a clue that the measures arenโ€™t ineffective.

Niger revokes French operating licence at major uranium mine

Niger has revoked the operating licence of French nuclear fuel producer Orano at one of the world’s biggest uranium mines, the company said Thursday (20 June), in a move that highlighted tensions between France and the African country’s ruling junta.

Final blow to Chinese โ€˜neutralityโ€™ on Ukraine war

With the dismissal of the Swiss peace conference, Beijingโ€™s commitment to Russia has reached new heights.

Popular Kazakh opposition figure in hospital after being shot in Kyiv

Aydos Sadykoy has a large YouTube following and is a strong critic of President Tokayev of KazakhstanA Kazkah opposition figure and prominent blogger with more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube has been seriously wounded in an attempted killing in …

The Trans-Caspian Corridor, a trade route unlocking EU-Central Asia opportunity [Advocacy Lab Content]

Launching the Trans-Caspian Corridor Coordination Platform strengthens vital trade routes linking Central Asia to Europe. Euractiv spoke with the European Commissionโ€™s Henrik Hololei, Hors Classe Adviser, DG for International Partnerships, about the ro…

Kazakhstanโ€™s domestic violence legislation, a growing social policy partnership with Europe [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstanโ€™s legislative reforms targeting domestic violence are at a pivotal moment, with new laws taking effect on 16 June which aim to protect women and children. Kazakhstan is seeking to establish zero tolerance for domestic violence.

Armenia to quit Russiaโ€™s military alliance amid split with Putin

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accuses the Moscow-led CSTO of failing to honor its obligations.

EU-Kazakhstan relations strengthening, market opportunities growing [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan has gained strategic importance, especially since the beginning of Russiaโ€™s war in Ukraine. It’s becoming a stronger partner for the EU in Central Asia and market opportunities for both regions are emerging.

Evolving EU-Kazakhstan relations offer new agriculture market opportunities [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan is a growing market opportunity for European agricultural food and beverage exports, says Wojciechowski, underlining what he hails as the emerging importance of an evolving EU-Kazakh relationship.

Wild horses return to Kazakhstan steppes after absence of two centuries

Seven Przewalskiโ€™s horses, the only truly wild species of the animal in the world, flown to central Asian country from zoos in EuropeA group of the worldโ€™s last wild horses have returned to their native Kazakhstan after an absence of about 200 years. T…

Wojciechowski visits Kazakhstan, highlights favourable conditions for EU investors [Advocacy Lab Content]

A delegation of 39 agri-food businesses and organisations from across the EU, led by Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, offered Kazakhstan a taste of EU quality in a bid to expand Europe’s presence in Central Asian markets.

Russia to build Central Asiaโ€™s first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan

Russia will build a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, the first such project in post-Soviet Central Asia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on Monday (27 May) at a meeting with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to make further bid to carve out โ€˜buffer zoneโ€™ in coming weeks, warns US defence secretary โ€“ as it happened

Lloyd Austin, speaking at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, praises troopsโ€™ courage in โ€˜hard and dangerous fightโ€™. This live blog has closedRussiaโ€™s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Kazakhstanโ€™s…

Russia to withdraw troops from Armeniaโ€™s border

The move comes as the South Caucasus country seeks to normalize ties with historic rival Azerbaijan.

Ambitious EU seeks to improve Middle Corridor trade route, secure position in Central Asia [Advocacy Lab Content]

Despite growing interest in the European Union for the advancement of the Middle Corridor, the bloc has much more to do in developing this trade route and securing its position in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan president enacts new laws protecting women and children [Advocacy Lab Content]

Kazakhstan will guarantee better protection of womenโ€™s rights and childrenโ€™s safety. Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has endorsed significant amendments to new laws envisaging harsh penalties for perpetrators of abuse.

Pro-Russian Voice of Europe back online from Kazakhstan

The outlet Voice of Europe, allegedly involved in a pro-Russian propaganda network, has restarted operations, hosted in Kazakhstan after it was sanctioned by the Czech Republic last month, Euractivโ€™s data shows.ย 

Russia and Kazakhstan evacuate tens of thousands amid worst floods in decades

Kremlin official warns of more difficult days ahead after towns and cities overwhelmed by major rivers swollen by snowmeltRussia and Kazakhstan have ordered more than 100,000 people to evacuate after swiftly melting snow swelled rivers beyond bursting …

Putin โ€˜winsโ€™ rigged Russian electionย with 88% of the vote, early results show

Preliminary results indicate huge victory for Vladimir Putin but thousands protest at polling stations and Russian embassies worldwide.

5 Scenarios for Russia After Putinโ€™s Next Term

The Russian president is about to be reelected for another six years. What will that mean for his country and the West?

Russia-Ukraine war live: what we know on day 734

Macron wonโ€™t rule out putting ground troops in Ukraine; German chancellor digs in over Taurus missiles; financial sanctions threat working, US saysSee all our Ukraine war coverageEmmanuel Macron has not ruled out sending ground troops to Ukraine. He sa…

Germany tallies risks as it weighs Rosneft refinery seizure

Berlin faces the prospect of supply cuts and a huge payout to the Kremlin if it moves to expropriate Rosneftโ€™s assets.

The Baltic border loophole in EUโ€™s Russia sanctionsย 

Customs officials in EU frontline states know that truckers are shipping banned goods into Russia โ€”ย but they canโ€™t do much about it.