QAZAQ GREEN. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is exploring opportunities to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan on renewable energy, energy infrastructure modernisation and regional energy links. These issues featured in a visit to Astana by EIB Vice-President Marek Mora on 7–8 October 2026.
During the two-day mission, the Bank held discussions with Kazakhstan’s government authorities, national companies and financial institutions. The talks covered potential investments in energy, water, transport, digital connectivity and sustainable industry.
Energy discussions focused on infrastructure modernisation, energy security, renewable generation and regional cooperation. The parties also considered the possibility of technical support from the EIB.
The Bank is involved in regional initiatives, including the Kambarata-1 hydropower project. Further involvement in such projects depends on project development, due diligence and the necessary agreements among participating countries.
EIB expands investment cooperation across Central Asia
The visit comes as the European Union places greater emphasis on transport and economic links with Central Asia. Under its Global Gateway initiative, the EU aims to mobilise up to EUR 12 billion in public and private investment for the Middle Corridor by 2030, with the goals of diversifying transport routes and increasing trade flows.
The EIB’s pipeline of potential projects across Central Asia is approaching EUR 3 billion. In June 2026, the Bank opened a regional representation in Tashkent to work more closely with partners and projects across the region.
Kazakhstan remains one of the EIB’s key partners in Central Asia. In June 2026, the Bank signed a EUR 150 million framework loan with national road operator QazAvtoZhol to rehabilitate approximately 1,370 kilometres of strategic roads along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Earlier, EIB Global signed a EUR 200 million framework loan with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan to support sustainable transport and renewable energy investments.
Renewable energy, water and digital connectivity
The talks also addressed cooperation in the water sector. EIB Vice-President Marek Mora discussed potential areas of collaboration with Arsen Zhakanbayev, Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
In digital connectivity, EIB Global and the European Commission are supporting a package worth almost EUR 60 million with SES to extend satellite broadband services to approximately 1,600 rural villages across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The initiative aims to connect around three million people to digital services, including opportunities in education, healthcare and economic development.
The EIB is also exploring financing opportunities with Kazakh mining and processing companies. The aim is to support responsible critical raw materials supply chains, increase local processing, improve access to technology and create skilled jobs.
All potential financing operations remain subject to the Bank’s environmental, social and procurement standards.
“Kazakhstan has the ambition and investment potential to be a central partner for the EIB in Central Asia. Our discussions in Astana were concrete: safer and more resilient transport, stronger regional energy links, water security, digital access and responsible value chains. The priority now is to prepare projects well and move them forward, while safeguarding transparency, sustainability and long-term local value,” said EIB Vice-President Marek Mora.
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