Elvira Azimova, the Chair of Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court, recently visited the EU as part of a broader effort to engage in multilateral cooperation following the EU-Central Asia Summit. She highlighted Kazakhstan’s attempts to present itself as a modernizing state with legal institutions ready to support reforms, citing the reinstatement of the Constitutional Court in 2023 after a constitutional referendum. The Court, still in its early stages, has reviewed around 70 cases for compliance with both national and international law. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s “Fair Kazakhstan” agenda was also mentioned as evidence of progress, emphasizing the role of civil society in governance. Kazakhstan hopes to deepen ties with the EU in areas such as digitalization, green technology, and AI, but acknowledges that legal adaptation will be required for such initiatives.
Despite the government’s promises of reforms, Kazakhstan has faced international scrutiny for its human rights record, lack of political plurality, and crackdowns on dissent, with observers highlighting limitations on the independence of the judiciary and constitutional checks on executive power. Azimova, however, stressed the Court’s commitment to upholding both domestic laws and Kazakhstan’s obligations under international treaties, particularly those from the UN system. Accession to European treaties, especially those related to women’s rights and cybercrime, is a long-term goal, with a focus on effective dispute resolution and judicial review to ensure comprehensive application of legislation. Some question the depth of EU engagement, highlighting the asymmetric nature of interest and action between the EU and Kazakhstan.
As geopolitical competition in Central Asia intensifies, with Russia, China, and the West all vying for influence, Azimova hopes that the EU will also take a step forward towards Kazakhstan. The region’s strategic importance has made it a focal point for global powers seeking to expand their influence, with Kazakhstan positioning itself as a key player in the region. The country’s efforts to present itself as a modernizing state with legal institutions focused on reforms may be seen as a strategic move to attract international support and investment. Despite challenges in implementing promised reforms, Kazakhstan’s engagement with the EU and other international partners signals a willingness to work towards greater integration and cooperation on various issues, including human rights, legal reforms, and technological advancements.
The evolution of Kazakhstan’s legal institutions, including the reinstatement of the Constitutional Court and efforts to adhere to international treaties, reflects a desire to align with global norms and standards. While criticisms of limited judiciary independence and executive power constraints persist, the commitment to upholding international obligations suggests a willingness to address these challenges. The focus on digitalization, green technology, and AI as areas for potential collaboration with the EU underscores Kazakhstan’s interest in modernizing and diversifying its economy while enhancing ties with European partners. As Kazakhstan navigates the complexities of geopolitical competition in the region, its engagement with the EU and other international actors will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory and positioning within the global landscape.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s engagement with the EU and efforts to strengthen its legal institutions reflect a broader strategy of modernization and reform aimed at attracting international support and investment. While challenges remain in implementing promised reforms and addressing criticisms of limited judiciary independence, Kazakhstan’s commitment to upholding international obligations and seeking deeper collaboration with the EU in various areas indicate a willingness to align with global norms and standards. As geopolitical competition in Central Asia intensifies, Kazakhstan’s strategic positioning and engagement with international partners will be key factors in shaping its future direction and role in the region. By emphasizing areas such as digitalization, green technology, and AI for potential collaboration, Kazakhstan is seeking to enhance its economic diversification and deepen ties with European partners, while navigating the complexities of geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia.
