The EU is not pressuring Kazakhstan, but it will take action to prevent any circumvention of sanctions.

The European Union does not require Kazakhstan to impose sanctions against Russia and does not exert pressure on it; however, it warns that Kazakh companies could end up on sanctions lists if they engage in illegal trade. This was stated by the EU's special envoy for sanctions, David O'Sullivan, during his visit to Kazakhstan, as reported by inbusiness.kz.

According to O'Sullivan, Kazakhstan remains an important partner for the European Union, just as the EU is for Kazakhstan.

"Our trade turnover is about 40 billion euros per year. The EU is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 38% of Kazakh exports. Furthermore, the EU is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan, with a volume reaching 55 billion euros," he noted.

Sanctions Against Russia and Respectful Relations with the EU

David O'Sullivan emphasized that the European Union respects Kazakhstan's decision not to join sanctions against Russia and does not interfere in the legitimate trade between the two countries.

"However, what truly concerns us is that some unscrupulous companies are using Kazakhstan as a platform to circumvent sanctions," he said.

This refers to the re-export of goods from the EU to Russia, especially those that may be used in Russian military production. According to the EU representative, such goods are used in the production of drones, missiles, and artillery shells, which are then employed in combat against civilians in Ukraine.

"These are goods that have no economic value for Kazakhstan but support Russia's military-industrial complex," the ambassador stated.

He noted that when companies that intentionally participate in the illegal re-export of sanctioned goods to Russia are identified, the European Union includes them on its sanctions list. Such businessmen can be found worldwide – in Iran, China, India, and also in Kazakhstan.

"During such checks, Kazakh companies have also been identified. They are included on the list solely because they were involved in illegal trade. We have evidence that they are aiding the Russian military-industrial sector. These are not extraterritorial sanctions; they are in place to protect and ensure compliance with the sanctions we have introduced," he stressed.

Currently, the EU is monitoring 50 categories of dual-use goods that could be used in the Russian military-industrial complex. These goods are not produced in Kazakhstan but may have previously entered Russia through its territory.

"During our cooperation, we have seen a significant decrease in the volume of such goods sold to Russia. Of course, there are still isolated cases, which we bring to the attention of Kazakh authorities, asking them to take action. But overall, the trend in this direction is very positive," he stated.

According to him, sanctioned goods constitute less than 1% of Kazakhstan's total trade turnover but are critical for the Russian military-industrial complex, as they are used in the production of missiles, artillery shells, and drones.

Kazakh Business Under Scrutiny

Currently, the EU is developing the 16th package of sanctions, which considers the possibility of adding new companies. David O'Sullivan noted: "It is possible that Kazakh companies may be added to the list. However, no decision has been made yet."

On January 27, it was reported that Polish customs were not allowing tankers carrying liquefied gas from Kazakhstan to cross the border, fearing that Russian fuel might be smuggled in under the guise of Kazakh fuel. However, in response to journalists' questions, David O'Sullivan denied rumors of possible restrictions on the export of Kazakh goods to Europe.

"The EU has no restrictions on exports from Kazakhstan to the European Union because this activity is completely legal. Why should we impose such measures only if there are any illegal actions or if goods do not meet certain standards, are fraudulent, or if goods are imported into the European Union under the guise of Kazakh origin?" he stated.

Regarding the situation at the Polish border, the ambassador said that Polish authorities have every right to demand proof that the supplied goods were produced in any other country that is not subject to sanctions.

"Polish authorities have every reason to request documents confirming Kazakh origin. Thus, it should not be difficult to provide documents and prove that the products were indeed produced in Kazakhstan, if that is the case," O'Sullivan stated.

It was previously reported that the new sanctions package will come into effect on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, February 24, 2025. The package was conceived as a "clear signal" to Moscow and will include "measures against specific sectors of the Russian economy that are either not covered or insufficiently covered." Additionally, the 16th sanctions package is expected to include further services from individuals and organizations considered propagandists of the Russian regime and responsible for undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, as stated in the message.