Over the past 10 years, the share of waste recycling in Kazakhstan has increased from 1% to 25%, with plans to raise this figure to 40% by 2030. This progress was highlighted during the 17th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Dialogue Platform, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, which focused on expanding cooperation in water resources and waste management.
The meeting brought together government officials, EU ambassadors, and representatives of European environmental technology companies to discuss joint efforts in improving water use efficiency, enhancing transboundary cooperation, and advancing the circular economy. Participants emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices in response to growing pressure on Kazakhstan’s water balance.
Kazakhstan is currently implementing the Concept of Water Management System Development, which prioritizes modernization of water infrastructure and more efficient resource use, especially in the agricultural sector. In partnership with the EU, several initiatives are already underway. These include pilot projects on sustainable water use and energy efficiency under the Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) program, and investment mobilization through the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change.
Waste management remains a key focus. The government is developing infrastructure and introducing technologies for energy recovery, while expanding the extended producer responsibility system to encourage corporate participation in recycling. These efforts aim to reduce landfill dependence and shift toward more sustainable waste treatment methods.
European ambassadors expressed strong support for Kazakhstan’s environmental agenda. Germany plans to expand regional cooperation under the Green Central Asia initiative, including experience-sharing on transboundary water management and disaster prevention. Finland highlighted successful implementation of energy-efficient wastewater treatment technologies by Finnish firms at both industrial and municipal levels.
A consortium from the Netherlands and the Benelux countries is preparing to build a desalination plant in Aktau with a daily capacity of up to 150,000 m³. Work is also underway on a national early flood warning system, developed in collaboration with Dutch experts.
Representatives from companies such as Aqualia, Xylem, Water&Soil, and MicroStep-MIS presented proposals on water reuse, digital management platforms, localized production, and mathematical modeling for treatment systems. They also discussed opportunities to establish technical centers and expand training and research partnerships.
Kazakh government officials addressed the proposals and reiterated their commitment to fostering international cooperation, attracting investment, and advancing green technologies. The meeting marked another step in strengthening Kazakhstan-EU environmental ties and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy.
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