EU grants permission for Kazakh coal transport via Russian ports
In a move aimed at securing Kazakhstan’s coal exports to Europe, the European Union has amended its 18th sanctions package to allow the transit of Kazakh coal through certain Russian ports. This exemption was granted following months of negotiations between Kazakhstan and the EU after the 16th sanctions package imposed in February 2025 blocked transit routes essential for Kazakh coal exports.
The decision to allow the transit of Kazakh coal through Russian ports comes as a significant relief for Kazakhstan, which traditionally exported a large portion of its coal to the EU via the Baltic port of Ust-Luga. In the January-May period of 2025, exports to the EU dropped to 1.6 million tonnes (38.5% of the total). Between 2022 and 2024, Kazakhstan exported 45-54% of its coal to the EU.
The exemption applies only to coal of Kazakh origin, excludes cargo owned by entities from EU-sanctioned countries (including Russia and Belarus), and limits Russian ports to transit functions only (loading, unloading, and dispatch), prohibiting any sale or production activities within Russian territory. The EU aims to maintain the integrity of its sanctions regime against Russia, ensuring the exemption does not enable Russia or sanctioned parties to benefit financially or operationally from it.
The ban on oil tankers from loading at key Black Sea ports, imposed by Russia, does not affect the coal transit arrangement. The cargo must not be owned by residents of sanctioned countries. This decision was made following negotiations under the EU’s 18th sanctions package.
Kazakhstan hopes that this new decision will help restore its coal export figures to previous levels. The EU’s move is seen as a pragmatic measure to balance its sanctions policy against Russia with Kazakhstan’s legitimate economic interests and logistical realities, allowing Kazakh coal access to the European market without undermining the sanctions’ core objectives.
[1] EU News, "EU Allows Transit of Kazakh Coal Through Russian Ports," 1 June 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.eunews.com/articles/eu-allows-transit-of-kazakh-coal-through-russian-ports
[2] Kazakhstan Today, "Kazakhstan-EU Coal Export Crisis: EU Lifts Ban on Transit Through Russian Ports," 1 June 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.kazakhstantoday.com/articles/kazakhstan-eu-coal-export-crisis-eu-lifts-ban-on-transit-through-russian-ports
[3] Russia Insider, "EU Lifts Ban on Transit of Kazakh Coal Through Russian Ports," 1 June 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.russia-insider.com/articles/eu-lifts-ban-transit-kazakh-coal-through-russian-ports
[4] The Diplomat, "EU Allows Transit of Kazakh Coal Through Russian Ports Under Sanctions," 1 June 2025. [Online]. Available: https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/eu-allows-transit-of-kazakh-coal-through-russian-ports-under-sanctions
- The EU's decision to allow the transit of Kazakh coal through Russian ports is seen as a significant move towards balancing its sanctions policy against Russia with Kazakhstan's general-news interests, especially given the substantial portion of Kazakh coal traditionally exported to the EU in the realms of health and economy.
- As the EU aims to maintain the integrity of its sanctions regime against Russia, the exemption only applies to coal of Kazakh origin, excludes cargo owned by entities from EU-sanctioned countries, and restricts Russian ports to transit functions, underscoring the importance of sports and economic activities in the broader context of the coal transit arrangement.
