From Europe to Central Asia, converted containers are trendy

Pop-up stores and restaurants using converted shipping containers are a growing trend in Europe and across the world, apparently boosted by behavioural changes caused by the Covid pandemic. EURACTIV Bulgaria reports.

Step-by-step democratisation serves Kazakhstan well

Step-by-step democratisation has suited Kazakhstan’s national circumstances and interests well, writes Alberto Turkstra who visited Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 10 January parliamentary elections.

Kyrgyz nationalist Japarov wins landslide victory in presidential poll

Nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov won a landslide victory on Sunday (10 January) in Kyrgyzstan’s snap presidential election, which was triggered by the collapse of the previous government.

Ruling party sweeps Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections

Kazakhstan’s ruling party Nur Otan looks set to sweep the parliamentary election held on Sunday (10 January), according to preliminary results, which show only two other parties passing the threshold to be represented in the next Mazhlis, the lower house of parliament.

Kazakhstan holds parliamentary elections

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree scheduling the parliamentary elections for the Majilis for 10 January 2021. The elections are seen as another step in the process of “controlled democratisation” of the former Soviet republic.

International observers to monitor Kazakhstan election despite COVID challenge

The Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan has completed the accreditation of observers of international organisations and foreign states for the 10 January elections, media in the Central Asian nation reported.

Russian court sentences Kazakh kleptocrat to 15 years in prison

A Russian court sentenced on Tuesday (29 December) the former chairman of Kazakh BTA Bank's board of directors, Mukhtar Ablyazov, to 15 years in prison, Russian media reported. The story of Ablyazov, a fugitive for years, has been turned into a book as a striking example of the ability of post-Soviet kleptocrats to benefit from Western “hospitality”.

Central Asia is an obvious winner of better EU-China ties

Investment and better regional connectivity as well as an improved links with Europe may be a lifeline for the struggling Central Asian economies, writes Joel Ruet.

Meanwhile in Kazakhstan: Elections unhindered by Covid-19 challenges

The Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan to be held on 10 January 2020 should be anticipated with confidence despite the Covid-19 concerns, writes Jeroen Jansen.

Kazakhstan: the new EU Green Gateway to East Asia.

As the European Union is revising the TEN-T rail freight corridors under the new Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the effective connection of the Eurasian rail routes with the EU Core Backbone Network is a key priority, writes Pierre Borgoltz.

Climate, Eurasian Union presidency among Kazakhstan’s 2021 priorities

Virtual conferences held in the run-up to Kazakhstan’s Independence Day on Wednesday (16 December) revealed the country’s priorities for 2021, including tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering on the Paris climate agreement and presiding over the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Kazakhstan seeks to improve its human rights record

Kazakhstan, a post-Soviet country which has been repeatedly criticized by Western rights group, is passing legislation to improve its standing on human rights.

Kazakhstan election holds genuine strategic importance

Kazakhstan will hold its parliamentary election on 10 January with a clear intention to reach the democratic levels enjoyed in the European bloc. Despite the obvious challenges of voting during a pandemic, our government is committed to giving our citizens a voice, writes Aigul Kuspan

Political scientist: COVID-19 will not become a brake for Kazakhstan election

Kazakhstan is holding parliamentary elections on 10 January, expected to further bolster the soft democratic reform process in the Central Asian country. In a wide-ranging interview, political scientist Mukhit-Ardager Sydyknazarov explained the political landscape and the stakes ahead of the ballot.

Expert: Multi-party democracy has potential in Kazakhstan

The upcoming elections for the Majilis, the lower chamber of Kazakhstan's Parliament, are a clear improvement in terms of representation and legislative changes, Samuel Doveri Vesterbye told EURACTIV in an interview.

Kazakhstan elections

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Kazakhstan is to hold parliamentary elections for the Majilis, the lower chamber of the Kazakh parliament, on 10 January 2021. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Central Asian country is inviting observers and journalists and is hoping to attract international attention.

EU, Central Asia touch base virtually in turbulent times

EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen held a teleconference on Tuesday (17 November) with ministers from the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, with which the EU is trying to forge closer relations.

Protesters and vigilantes scuffle in Kyrgyz capital as political crisis festers

Anti-government protesters scuffled with vigilante groups in Kyrgyzstan’s capital of Bishek overnight, after authorities in the Central Asian nation annulled parliamentary election results.

EU ‘takes note’ of failed elections in Kyrgyzstan

The EU on Tuesday (6 October) said it has “taken note” of the declaration made the same day by the Central Electoral Commission that the results of the elections held on Sunday are not valid.

The elections in Kyrgyzstan will be a test of democracy and inclusion

Next week's elections in Kyrgyzstan will be a key test of the country's democratic credentials and could be the most inclusive yet, writes Louise Chamberlain.

Kazakh leader calls for bioweapons agency to address ‘global dysfunction’

"Reaching a COVID-19 vaccine trade and investment agreement" should be a top priority for global leaders, and could help take "politics out of the vaccine," Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday (23 September).

Kazakhstan suspends three airlines for breaking UN Libya embargo

Kazakhstan has barred three air carriers from operating for violating a UN Security Council embargo covering the supply of arms to Libya, the Central Asian country's government said Wednesday (23 September).