Brussels has become the stage for a pivotal shift in Central Asia’s energy policy, with a focus on sustainable development, access to investment, and geopolitical reorientation towards Europe.
Kazakhstan has solidified its role as a key partner of the European Union in the field of sustainable energy, signing a series of strategically important agreements with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Brussels.
The agreements which were signed during Global Gateway Forum, are expected to unlock access to investments in renewable energy projects, grid modernisation, and the construction of major hydroelectric power plants, including the large-scale Kambar-Ata-1 HPP in Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov, held a series of meetings with European leaders and representatives of international financial institutions, marking a step forward in aligning Astana’s energy agenda with that of Brussels.
The memoranda signed reflect the EU’s growing interest in diversifying sources of critical raw materials and energy infrastructure, particularly as geopolitical dynamics shift across the region.
At the heart of the energy cooperation lies the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric project on the Naryn River, estimated to cost of $5-6 billion and expected to take at least 15 years to complete.
The European Union has pledged $2.4 billion to support the initiative, which involves Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Bishkek has signed financing agreements worth $1 billion with the EIB and the EBRD - including memoranda of understanding for $500 million from each bank. Under a tripartite agreement reached in early 2023, Kazakhstan (33%), Kyrgyzstan (34%) and Uzbekistan (33%) will co-own the project company responsible for construction.
Upon completion, full ownership of the dam and power plant will be transferred to Kyrgyzstan.
The EU views the project as part of its broader Global Gateway strategy, designed to deepen trade and investment ties with Central Asian nations.
Presented as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Global Gateway encompasses key areas such as transport, raw materials, digital connectivity, water management and energy.
A central pillar of the initiative is the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor - also known as the Middle Corridor - a 6,500 km trade route linking China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, bypassing Russia.
In addition, the EBRD is preparing a separate portfolio of projects worth €7-8 billion, to be implemented by 2027.
These investments will target strategically important sectors such as critical mineral extraction and renewable energy development
Kazakhstan and the EU are also working to implement a 2025-2026 roadmap within the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding on critical raw materials, batteries and green hydrogen.
The document formalises a shared commitment to sustainable, technology-driven energy development, aligned with the global green transition.
This growing energy partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan highlights not only the region’s investment potential but also its strategic importance in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
As the war in Ukraine reshapes regional dynamics and China expands its economic footprint, Brussels is moving to strengthen its presence in Central Asia - a region that is becoming increasingly central to global supply chains for both energy and resources.
Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerba...
The United States has approved the possible sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, as Wellington m...
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they l...
The United States has announced an additional $38 million to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as hea...
Armenians will vote on Sunday in a parliamentary election that will determine whether Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secures a new mandate to pursue ...
Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, as Russia blamed Ukraine for the strike.
The United States has approved the possible sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, as Wellington moves to strengthen its armed forces.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
Armenians will vote on Sunday in a parliamentary election that will determine whether Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secures a new mandate to pursue peace with Azerbaijan or cedes ground to pro-Russian rivals.
Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, as Russia blamed Ukraine for the strike.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
Azerbaijan has strongly rejected allegations published by CNN claiming that its territory was used for Israeli military and intelligence operations against Iran, describing the report as entirely baseless and demanding a retraction.
Armenia will hold parliamentary elections on 7 June 2026, a vote that will shape the country’s political direction for the next five years. Understanding how the electoral system converts votes into parliamentary power is key to following the outcome and its wider regional implications.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose additional sanctions on Russia, marking the latest instance of Republican lawmakers breaking ranks with President Donald Trump and party leaders.
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with around 600 mothers dying for every 100,000 live births.
A seven-month-old Palestinian baby has been killed and his parents injured after Israeli forces fired at a vehicle in Hebron, Palestinian health officials say.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
Azerbaijan is once again at the centre of global climate diplomacy, hosting World Environment Day 2026 and bringing together international leaders, policymakers and organisations to address urgent environmental challenges.
The Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly has concluded in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from 186 countries to set environmental priorities and approve new funding for climate, biodiversity and sustainable development initiatives.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment