Agefi Luxembourg - juin 2026

AGEFI Luxembourg 10 Juin 2026 Économie & Banques D uring a press briefing held on 11 May at the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Luxembourg, Kazakhstan’s Am­ bassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO, Roman Vassilenko (portrait), reaffirmed his country’s com­ mitment to further strengthe­ ning its relations with Luxembourg, Belgium and, more broadly, the European Union. The meeting took place in a highly symbolic context, as Europe Day is celebrated each year on 9 May, in reference to the 1950 Schuman Declaration. This foundingmoment of European integration was highlighted by the Ambassador as one of the most successful examples of region­ al cooperation in the world, transforming a con­ tinent once marked by conflict into an area of sta­ bility, cooperation and shared development. In this regard, he emphasized that the European project has long served as a source of inspiration for the structuring of relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, based on a pragmatic approach, mutual benefit and respect for shared commitments. An experienced diplomat and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roman Vassilenko now holds a key position in Brussels, where he coordinates Kazakhstan’s relations with Belgium, Luxembourg, the European institutions and NATO on the ground. His career reflects the con­ tinuity of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic strategy, char­ acterized by a steady deepening of ties with Europe and a strong focus on Central Asia as a region of connectivity. In an international environment undergoing rapid transformation, Kazakhstan positions itself as a pivotal actor between Europe and Asia. A landlocked yet strategically located country, it plays a central role in Eurasian flows and is actively developing infrastructure to strengthen its role as a continental logistics hub, notably through the development of the TransCaspian Transport Corridor (TCTC). Political relations betweenLuxembourg andKaza­ khstan also continue to develop through highlevel dialogue. In this context, exchanges took place on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United NationsGeneralAssembly inNewYork, where Luxembourg PrimeMinister Luc Frieden and Kazakh President KassymJomart Tokayev reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and bilat­ eral investment. An expanding EU& Kazakhstan cooperation Relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union are steadily growing, both econom­ ically and politically. The Euro­ pean Union has for many years been Kazakhstan’s largest trad­ ing partner and leading foreign investor, with exchanges covering a wide range of sectors including energy, rawmaterials, transport, financial services, tech­ nology and infrastructure. This relationship is framed by the Enhanced Partnership and Coop­ eration Agreement, which serves as the central framework for bilateral relations covering 29 areas of cooperation. Kazakhstan also plays an increasingly important role in European supply chains for strategic resources. The country contributes to Europe’s energy security through its hydrocarbon exports, being one of the top three importers to the EU of crude oil, while also being a key supplier of ura­ niumand critical rawmaterials essential for high­ tech industries and the energy transition. In addition, the development of the TCTC—often referred to as the “Middle Corridor”—is emerg­ ing as a major strategic project. This alternative route linking Asia and Europe enhances the diversification of logistics networks and reduces dependence on traditional trade routes while seeking to shorten travel times between the two parts of the continent. It also opens new oppor­ tunities for investment, infrastructure develop­ ment and regional cooperation. Luxembourg, a key player in Europe–Kazakhstan relations Within this framework, Luxembourg holds a dis­ tinctive and increasingly strategic position. As a leading international financial centre, the Grand Duchy plays an important role in channeling European investment flows towards CentralAsia. Luxembourg’s investments inKazakhstan amount to around four billion euros and span multiple sectors, including finance, energy, industry, infra­ structure, logistics and technology. Luxembourg is alsowidely recognized for its expertise in invest­ ment fund management, international finance, space technologies and digital innovation. These areas closely align with Kazakhstan’s economic modernization priorities, creating strong synergies between the two economies. Institutional exchanges have intensified in recent years, particularly through the efforts of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. In 2025, a Kazakh delegation was hosted there as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties. These discussions identified several highpoten­ tial areas, including fintech, infrastructure, logis­ tics, construction, green technologies and busi­ ness services. Later this year the chamber plans a business mission to Kazakhstan During his visit to Luxembourg, the Ambassa­ dor also referred to discussions with SES regard­ ing satellite connectivity projects. These efforts, supported by the European Union under its flag­ ship Global Gateway initiative, aim to improve communications in remote areas of Kazakhstan and highlight the growing potential for cooper­ ation in space and digital technologies, a field in which Luxembourg has established itself as a global leader. Other meetings during the visit included with Cargolux andHydrosat, both companieswith sig­ nificant potential for mutually beneficial coopera­ tion with the Central Asian country in logistics and space research. A transforming and diversifying economy Since its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has emerged as the largest economy in Central Asia. This development is based on both abundant natural resources, a gradual strategy of economic diversification and the creation of a conducive environment for foreign investment, which has now reached almost 500 billion dollars. The country holds significant reserves of oil, urani­ um, copper, zinc and chromium, while actively developing new industrial and technological sec­ tors including AI. At the same time, Kazakhstan is accelerating its investment in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, supported by vast land resources and favourable climatic conditions. Several international projects are currently under­ way, with partners from France and Germany, reflecting the country’s ambition to actively con­ tribute to global energy transition efforts. Human capital is also a key pillar of this transfor­ mation. With a young and dynamic population of 20.5 million—more than half under the age of 35—Kazakhstan places strong emphasis on edu­ cation and international training. The “Bolashak” state scholarship programme enables thousands of students each year to study at leading global universities before returning to contribute to national development. A diplomacy of balance and openness On the international stage, Kazakhstan pursues a foreign policy based on balance, diversification and openness, often described as a “multivec­ tor” diplomacy. This approach aims to maintain constructive relations with all international part­ ners while strengthening its role as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Along with several other countries such as Türkiye and South Korea, Kazakhstan, a firm supporter of the United Nations, is also increasinglymentioned as a ‘mid­ dle power’, able to contribute to global political and economic solutions. The country has also distinguished itself through its commitment to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, having voluntarily renounced the nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union after independence, at that time the world’s fourth largest. This decision continues to shape its international image as a responsible actor committed to global stability. In this context, Roman Vassilenko reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to ongoing domestic reforms and to strengthening state modernisa­ tion under the concept of a “Just Kazakhstan,” focused on transparency, institutional efficiency and economic development. A partnership oriented towards the future Relations between Luxembourg and Kazakhstan are nowon an upward trajectory, driven by strong economic complementarities and a shared vision of developing Europe–Asia connectivity. Luxembourg confirms its role as a leading finan­ cial and technological hub, while Kazakhstan con­ solidates its position as a logistics and energy gate­ way in the heart of Eurasia. In a rapidly changing global environment, this cooperation illustrates the growing importance of new partnership axes between Europe and Central Asia, based on investment, connectivity and innovation. O.M. Luxembourg and Kazakhstan strengthen their economic ties L e 22 mai 2026, S.A. le cheikh Abdal­ lah ben Zayed Al Nahyan, ministre des Affaires étrangères des Émirats arabes unis, a effectué une visite de travail au Luxembourg. Cette journée a été mar­ quée par plusieurs rencontres politiques de haut niveau ainsi que par la signature dʹun traité bilatéral dʹentraide judiciaire, selon les communiqués du ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes et du ministère de la Justice du Luxembourg. Le chef de la diplomatie émiratie a été reçu par S.A.R. le GrandDuc ainsi que par le Premier ministre Luc Frieden. Il était accompagné de son fils aîné, le cheikhMohammed, qui ne remplit pas de fonction officielle connue. Suivi par plus de 63 000 abonnés sur Instagram, ce dernier partage régulièrement des images de son quotidien en tant que membre de la famille régnante dʹAbu Dhabi. Le cheikh Abdallah ben Zayed Al Nahyan est lʹun des fils du cheikh Zayed ben Sultan Al Nahyan, fondateur des Émirats arabes unis. Émir dʹAbu Dhabi de 1966 à 2004, le cheikh Zayed fut également le premier président de la fédération lors de sa création en 1971. À sa mort, son fils Khalifa ben ZayedAl Nahyan lui succéda à la tête de lʹémirat dʹAbu Dhabi et de lʹÉtat fédé­ ral jusquʹà son décès en 2022. Depuis lors, ces fonctions sont exercées par son frère, le cheikh Mohammed ben ZayedAl Nahyan. Les Émirats arabes unis sont composés de sept émirats. Depuis la fondation du pays, le président de la fédération est traditionnellement lʹémir dʹAbu Dhabi, tandis que lʹémir de Dubaï occupe les fonc­ tions de viceprésident et de Premier ministre. Le cheikhAbdallah sʹest ensuite entretenu avec le VicePremier ministre et ministre des Affaires étrangères et du Commerce extérieur, Xavier Bettel. Les échanges ont principalement porté sur la situation au MoyenOrient. Le ministre luxem­ bourgeois a souligné la fragilité des cessezlefeu en Iran et au Liban et a plaidé en faveur dʹune solution politique durable capable de garantir la stabilité régionale. Le Luxembourg a également réaffirmé sa condamnation des attaques attribuées à lʹIran contre plusieurs États du Golfe, dont les Émirats arabes unis. Il a notamment dénoncé les frappes de drones visant la centrale nucléaire de Barakah, considérées comme une violation du droit inter­ national et de la souveraineté des États concernés. Appel à la désescalade Xavier Bettel a réitéré la position du Luxembourg en faveur dʹune désescalade des tensions et dʹune solution diplomatique concernant les ambitions nucléaires et les activités militaires iraniennes. Il a également appelé à la réouverture immédiate et sans restriction du détroit dʹOrmuz, soulignant les conséquences économiques, politiques et huma­ nitaires que pourrait entraîner une fermeture pro­ longée de cette voie maritime stratégique. Leministre luxembourgeois a par ailleurs exprimé sa reconnaissance aux autorités émiraties pour leur coopération dans les opérations dʹévacuation de citoyens luxembourgeois et européens menées dans la région. Coopération bilatérale renforcée Les deux délégations ont également évoqué les relations bilatérales et examiné plusieurs pistes de coopération dans les domaines financier, écono­ mique et de lʹinnovation. Le Luxembourg entretient une présence diploma­ tique permanente à Abu Dhabi depuis une quin­ zaine dʹannées. Cette ambassade constitue aujourdʹhui sa seule représentation diplomatique dans la région du Golfe. Signature dʹun traité dʹentraide judiciaire En marge de la visite, la ministre de la Justice Elisabeth Margue et la ministre dʹÉtat émiratie LanaNusseibeh ont signé un traité dʹentraide judi­ ciaire en matière pénale entre le Luxembourg et les Émirats arabes unis. Lʹaccord vise à renforcer la coopération entre les autorités judiciaires des deux pays dans la lutte contre la criminalité grave, en particulier la crimi­ nalité économique et financière. Il établit un cadre formalisé destiné à faciliter lʹentraide dans les enquêtes pénales transfrontalières et à améliorer lʹefficacité des poursuites dans un contexte de lutte accrue contre la criminalité internationale. Sources : ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, ministère de la Justice, Histoires Royales Le Luxembourg et les Émirats renforcent leurs liens ©SIP/JulienWarnand