№127. The EU and Kazakhstan. Balancing Economic Cooperation and Aiding Democratic Reforms in the Central Asian region
№127. The EU and Kazakhstan. Balancing Economic Cooperation and Aiding Democratic Reforms in the Central Asian region

Author(s): Bhavna Dave
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Supranational / Global Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies
Keywords: Central Asia; Kazakhstan; EU; geostrategic relevance;
Summary/Abstract: Kazakhstan’s continuing socioeconomic and political stability, a formal commitment to political reforms and an unambiguously pro-Western orientation make it the EU’s most reliable partner in the Central Asian region. Its rising oil exports – almost 80% of EU imports from Kazakhstan consist of fuel and geostrategic location make a close and continuing partnership with the EU inevitable. Recognising that Kazakhstan is favourably placed to be the foremost player in the region, this analysis advocates that the EU should 1) develop an internally differentiated strategy towards Central Asia with Kazakhstan as a strategic anchor in the region, and 2) prioritise the promotion of democratic reforms and transparency of political and economic processes which can turn Kazakhstan into a more effective and reliable partner of the EU and a positive engine for reform in the broader region.

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