Brussels discusses the future of a key route between Europe and Asia

22-06-2026

The capital of Belgium is hosting the international business conference "Strengthening Kazakhstan-EU Connectivity: Perspectives and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)." The event is organized by JSC NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" with the support of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium.

The event has brought together over 100 high-level participants from Kazakhstan and European Union countries. Among them are Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, heads of the Presidential Administration and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the management of JSC NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy," representatives of international financial institutions (EBRD, EIB), as well as major transport and logistics companies, cargo owners, and industry associations.

Keynote speeches at the conference were delivered by representatives of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the European Parliament, and the management of KTZ. Top managers from leading EU logistics corporations also spoke, including DHL Global Forwarding, Alstom, DB Cargo, HHLA International, RHENUS, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, and A.P. Moller – Maersk.

The conference is being held as part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the Kingdom of Belgium at the invitation of the President of the European Council.

This platform serves as a practical continuation of the strategic dialogue at the highest level. As part of the Head of State's visit, crucial negotiations are scheduled with the President of the European Council, António Costa; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever.

The participants are focusing on strategic issues related to the development of the Middle Corridor, including increasing the capacity of the TITR; modernizing railway, port, and terminal infrastructure; digitalizing logistics processes; and establishing sustainable supply chains across the Eurasian space, among others.

Special attention during the discussions is being paid to integrating the Middle Corridor with the European Union's Global Gateway initiative, as well as expanding transport and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia. The high status of the delegates and the synergy with the agenda of the President of Kazakhstan’s visit confirm the growing interest of European institutions, international financial organizations, and businesses in developing the Middle Corridor, cementing Kazakhstan's status as a key transit and logistics hub between Eurasia and the EU.

For reference: The European Council is the body comprising the heads of state or government of the EU member states. It defines the general political directions and strategic priorities of the European Union but does not usually pass laws. The European Commission is the executive arm of the EU. It drafts legislation, monitors the implementation of European Union laws, manages the EU budget, and represents the interests of the Union as a whole rather than individual countries.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»