Energy and Economy

EU Adopts 14^th Package of Sanctions Against Russia

On June 24, the European Union (EU) introduced its 14^th package of sanctions against Russia.  It imposes new restrictions on the transit of Russian LNG through European ports and prohibits investments into Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 and Murmansk LNG projects. Additionally, 61 entities, including some located in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye, were added to the list of export restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies, as well as “goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defense and security sector.”

Source: European Commission

Azerbaijan’s Green Electricity Output Hits 14%

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy, the total capacity of renewable energy sources in the country is about 21% of energy output. In the first five months of the year 2024, green electricity production has been 14% of total electricity production—a marked increase.

Source: Azernews

Kyrgyzstan Resumes Uranium Mining  

On June 13, the Kyrgyz Parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, lifted the ban on mining uranium and thorium that has been in place since 2019. President Sadyr Japarov is expected to sign the bill soon, enacting it into law. The lifting of the ban has sparked concern by environmentalist groups; however, the government argued the potential economic rewards outweigh the risks, with President Japarov estimating a $2 billion windfall for the state. 

Source: EurasiaNet, CentralAsianLight

Iran and Russia Inaugurate Rasht-Caspian Railroad

Senior officials from Iran and Russia participated in the inauguration of the Rasht-Caspian Railroad on June 20. The new 23-mile rail links to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that serves a multimodal 4,473-mile-long transport route connecting India, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. 

Source: Caspian News, Trend

Security and Politics

U.S. and Kazakhstan to Sign an Agreement on Nuclear Risk Reduction

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, Mallory Stewart, is traveling to Kazakhstan and Switzerland, June 22-28. In Kazakhstan, Assistant Secretary Stewart is expected to sign the National and Nuclear Risk Reduction Center (NNRRC) Secure Line Agreement between the U.S. Department of State and the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense, demonstrating “shared interest of risk reduction and global stability.”

Source: U.S. Department of State

France Signs Deal to Provide Armenia with Howitzers

On June 18, France signed a deal to provide CAESAR self-propelled howitzers to Armenia. This deal comes in the wake of the Armenian Prime Minister’s recent comments about his country’s withdrawal from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military alliance.  Defense Minister Suren Papikian called the recent deal a "new important milestone." France's supply of armaments to Armenia has raised concerns from Azerbaijan, which described it as potentially disruptive to the progress of ongoing peace negotiations.

Source: RFE/RFL

Armenia Recognizes Palestinian Statehood

On June 24, the Armenian Foreign Ministry released a statement recognizing Palestinian statehood. The statement also outlined Armenia’s support for an Israel-Palestine ceasefire resolution at the United Nations, as well as a two-state solution.  

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Sources: Azernews, Caspian News, CentralAsianLight, EurasiaNet, European Commission, RFE/RFL, Trend, U.S. Department of State