Kazakhstan has signed a landmark agreement to supply the European Union (EU) with critical raw materials, essential for modern industries and technologies. The deal was finalized during a visit by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen to Kazakhstan, as reported by the EU Representation in the country.
The agreement includes a €3 million contract aimed at fostering cooperation between the EU and Central Asia in the field of critical raw materials. Funding will be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with a focus on joint projects to establish reliable supply chains for these resources. Critical raw materials, such as rare earth metals, copper, aluminum, uranium, phosphorus, and potassium, are vital for sectors like technology, energy, defense, and transportation.
Urpilainen emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Europe needs reliable access to critical raw materials to modernize its economy. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan in their extraction and development. This partnership supports all Central Asian countries, boosts Kazakhstan’s economy, strengthens its industrial potential, and creates new opportunities for businesses, innovation, and high-quality jobs.”
In addition to the raw materials agreement, the EU and Kazakhstan signed a €200 million loan deal between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Kazakhstan Development Bank. The EU will provide an €18 million guarantee for the loan, which Kazakhstan plans to allocate toward developing transport infrastructure and renewable energy sources.
During the visit, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also met with Urpilainen at the Akorda Presidential Palace, underscoring the growing partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU.
