France’s President Emmanuel Macron is currently on a visit to Central Asia, specifically Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, indicating the growing significance of the region for Europe’s supply of nuclear fuel and petroleum. The trip aims to foster business relations and partnerships with the two countries, which possess substantial reserves of uranium and fossil fuels. The visit also builds upon concerns raised last year when a military coup in Niger, one of France’s uranium suppliers, raised doubts about the stability of France’s nuclear industry. This article explores the motivations behind Macron’s visit to Central Asia and its potential impact on energy security, political dynamics in the region, and France’s business interests.
One of the primary reasons for Macron’s visit to Central Asia is to secure long-term uranium supply for France’s nuclear energy sector. As the country relies on nuclear energy for over 60% of its electricity generation, ensuring a stable and consistent uranium supply is of utmost importance. Last year, Kazakhstan surpassed Niger to become France’s largest uranium supplier. With Kazakhstan being the world’s largest producer of uranium, French President Macron spent a significant portion of his visit in the country, seeking to strengthen collaboration in the nuclear sector. The trip also highlighted Kazakhstan’s interest in acquiring French expertise to further develop its own nuclear power industry. France’s state-owned company EDF is currently in contention to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. The visit demonstrates France’s intention to deepen cooperation with Kazakhstan, both in terms of energy security and technological exchange.
In addition to nuclear energy, Macron’s visit also emphasized France’s interest in Central Asia’s petroleum reserves. With Russian oil exports to the European Union declining following the Ukraine conflict, Kazakhstan has emerged as the EU’s third-largest petroleum supplier, after Norway and the United States. Strengthening ties with Kazakhstan in the petroleum sector allows France to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on Russian oil. The visit also highlighted the authoritarian nature of the governments in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, raising concerns about the ethical implications of engaging with such regimes for economic and energy benefits.
Furthermore, Macron’s visit comes at a time when the balance of power in Central Asia is shifting. The influence of Russia, which has historically dominated the region, is diminishing in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. Central Asian governments are beginning to distance themselves from Russia, with decreased military cooperation and a negative perception of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This presents an opportunity for France and the European Union to strengthen their relations with Central Asian countries, especially in light of Russia’s attempts to prevent a shift away from Moscow.
However, there are potential obstacles in the budding relationship between Central Asia and the EU. Russia has been accused of bypassing sanctions by importing goods from the West through Central Asian countries. This has raised concerns from the EU and the United States, as these goods and components are alleged to be used in Russia’s military efforts. Parallel imports have the potential to strain the developing relations between the EU and Central Asia, particularly as Russia’s conflict with Ukraine persists.
Another significant factor in Macron’s visit to Central Asia is countering China’s growing influence in the region. While China largely maintains a minimal military presence in Central Asia, its economic footprint has expanded substantially through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has funded numerous projects in the region, leading to the characterization of new developments as “Chinese.” Despite the financial limitations, France and the EU aim to seize the strategic opportunity presented by the Ukraine conflict to attract traditional partners of Russia towards the West.
In conclusion, President Macron’s visit to Central Asia signifies France’s efforts to strengthen ties with the region for energy security and business opportunities. It highlights the importance of uranium and petroleum supply for France’s nuclear energy sector, while also addressing concerns about political dynamics, Russia’s declining influence, and China’s growing presence. The visit presents an opportunity for France and the EU to foster partnerships and diversify their energy sources, but it also raises ethical considerations regarding engagement with authoritarian regimes and potential challenges in countering Russia’s actions in the region.
