The EU and Kazakhstan share an interest in finding efficient and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of modern society for metals and minerals. The European Commission has adopted a series of initiatives linked to the European Green Deal, including the creation of the European Raw Materials Alliance.

The EU principles for sustainable raw materials from December 2021 support sound governance, constructive and active dialogue with the communities concerned. They also support decent work for the workforce, through improving worker’s health and safety, skills and respect for worker’s rights, in line with ILO standards.

The EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) provides for developing and strengthening industrial cooperation, including investment and trade in mining and production of raw materials, with the objectives of promoting mutual understanding and transparency, improving the business environment, and promoting the exchange of information and cooperation in the area of non-energy mining, in particular metallic ores and industrial minerals.

The Platform of dialogue at high level complements the technical dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan within the EPCA, in particular the Cooperation Committee in Trade Configuration, which took place earlier in March 2022.  

Background Information

The EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, fully in force from 1 March 2020, aims at creating a better regulatory environment for businesses in areas such as trade in services, establishment and operation of companies, capital movements, raw materials and energy, intellectual property rights. It is a tool of regulatory convergence between Kazakhstan and the EU, with some “WTO plus” provisions, notably on public procurement.

In 2021, the total EU trade with Kazakhstan reached €22.9 billion, which is an increase from 2020 and close to the pre-pandemic level of €24.1 billion in 2019. EU exports reached €5.5 billion and imports from Kazakhstan reached €17.5 billion. The EU is by far Kazakhstan's first trading partner overall.