Kazakhstan responds to Bloomberg report on possible EU sanctions

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration has issued a statement following media reports that the European Union may apply its anti-circumvention tool against the country. The comments came after Bloomberg published an article about the EU’s upcoming 19th sanctions package targeting Russia.

According to the publication, the new package may include restrictions on about six Russian banks and energy companies, as well as measures against payment systems, crypto exchanges, and additional oil trade schemes.

Bloomberg, citing its sources, claimed that the EU is also considering applying for the first time its anti-circumvention tool to Kazakhstan. The measure would prohibit the import of certain equipment into Kazakhstan that, according to EU officials, is being redirected to Russia and used in arms production. The outlet stressed, however, that such a decision would require strong evidence and unanimous approval from all EU member states.

Kazakhstan’s reaction

The Ministry of Trade and Integration stated that Kazakhstan has not received any official notifications or communications from the EU regarding the possible application of the anti-circumvention tool.

“We maintain constant dialogue with our partners in the EU. Previously, negotiations allowed us to resolve the issue of Kazakh coal transit through Russian ports and have it excluded from restrictions. Work on other matters will be built in the same way – with a focus on maintaining transparency in foreign economic activity, protecting national interests, and ensuring trade stability,” the ministry said.

It also underlined that Kazakhstan “consistently and systematically fulfills its international obligations” and is taking measures to prevent its territory from being used to bypass restrictive measures.