Brussels Discusses the Future of a Key Route Between Europe and Asia

Brussels Discusses the Future of a Key Route Between Europe and Asia

📅 22 June 2026

📍 Brussels, Belgium

An international business conference titled “Strengthening EU–Kazakhstan Connectivity: Prospects and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)” is taking place in the Belgian capital. 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 conference has brought together more than 100 high-level participants from Kazakhstan and the European Union. Attendees include Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, senior officials from the Administration of the President and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the management of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, representatives of international financial institutions (EBRD and EIB), as well as leading transport and logistics companies, cargo owners, and industry associations.

Key presentations were delivered by representatives of the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan, the Government of Kazakhstan, the European Parliament, the management of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, and senior executives of leading European logistics corporations, 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 within the framework 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.

The event serves as a practical continuation of the strategic dialogue conducted at the highest political level. During the visit, the Head of State is scheduled to hold important meetings 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 discussions focus on strategic issues related to the development of the Middle Corridor, including increasing the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, modernizing railway, port and terminal infrastructure, digitalizing logistics processes, and building resilient supply chains across Eurasia.

Particular attention is being paid to the integration of the Middle Corridor with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, as well as to expanding transport and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.

The high-level composition of the participants and the synergy with the agenda of the President’s visit underscore the growing interest of European institutions, international financial organizations, and businesses in the development of the Middle Corridor, further strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit and logistics hub linking Eurasia and the European Union.

Background Information:

The European Council is the institution that brings together the Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States. It defines the European Union’s overall political direction and strategic priorities, although it does not generally adopt legislation.

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. It proposes legislation, oversees the implementation of EU laws, manages the EU budget, and represents the interests of the European Union as a whole rather than those of individual member states.