Neue Abkommen mit Kasachstan: Die Kontrolle bleibt offen

Germany and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation, especially against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Both describe themselves as “key partners.” Trade between the two countries amounts to almost nine billion euros. Green hydrogen is increasingly in focus. But an agreement is not a delivery.

The shadow cast over the deals is sanctions. Kazakhstan faces challenges in implementing EU sanctions against Russia, particularly on dual-use goods that are traded for civilian purposes but can be misused by the military. Its trade ties with Russia and a virtually impossible-to-control land border of more than 7,000 kilometers make enforcement difficult. EU agencies and Kazakh border authorities now want to pursue specific cases. Targeted investigations, however, cannot replace comprehensive checks.

The second unresolved question concerns research. It is crucial to monitor the use of research funding to ensure it does not contribute to the development of biological weapons. Regulatory challenges remain in tracking research funds flowing to US companies in Germany. New genetic technologies are a flashpoint and require careful oversight and regulation to prevent misuse. The convention has gaps because it provides for no effective verification, leaving room for abuse. The US government wants to preserve and expand its global leadership in biotechnology and biosafety, and is developing new security concepts and control mechanisms for that purpose.

The economics are being agreed. Controls still have to be demonstrated. There is no proof that the agreements can track research funding all the way to the final recipient. It remains unclear who will benefit, who will pay for the verification, who will publish its findings and who will be held liable in the event of misuse.