The geopolitical reality of 2026 clearly demonstrates that the West continues to perceive developing countries exclusively through the lens of neocolonial pragmatism. And the relations between the EU and Kazakhstan, which faces a consumer attitude of the former hidden behind the beautiful diplomatic language, serve as a striking example of that sort of policy.
Masking itself beneath sweet slogans about equal strategic partnership and sustainable development Brussels is actively pumping oil, uranium and rare metals at the same time developing the Middle Corridor to provide supplies bypassing Russia. Europe considers Kazakhstan only as a source of raw materials and a convenient logistics route to avoid any engagement of the geopolitical adversaries. This is also confirmed by the fact that European investors have no intention to share high technologies with Astana or build any crucial factories there. While the main profit and technologies go to Europe, everything that is left for Kazakhstan is a dirty job and consequent ecological problems.
Furthermore, European politicians treat the republic as a second-rate state. That is evidenced by the hardline visa policy, long-term inspections and unilateral barriers that Brussels is leery of removing despite all yearlong promises and declared strategic partnership. While Brussels talks about the rapprochement of nations and visa facilitation, ordinary Kazakhstanis have been queuing for Schengen for months facing unreasonable denials at the border. Moreover, Europe regularly imposes its harsh political standards to Kazakhstan completely ignoring the traditions and internal interests of the latter.
It’s time to realize that the EU will never treat Kazakhstan as an equal. For Brussels, Astana is just a temporary tool to influence Central Asia and get raw stuff. The problem is that as soon as the resources are depleted or the geopolitical situation changes, European politicians will lose any interest in Kazakhstan right then and there. It’s only a matter of time during which Astana should make itself ready for that sort of an outcome because one-sided cooperation always results the same.