Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 37 and Article 31(1) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 91, Article 100(2) and Articles 207 and 209, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) thereof,

Having regard to the joint proposal from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament^f1,

Whereas:

In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2016/123^f2, the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, of the other part (‘the Agreement’) was signed on 21 December 2015, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

The Agreement constitutes an important step towards increased political and economic involvement of the Union in Central Asia. By strengthening political dialogue and improving cooperation in a broad range of areas, it will provide the basis for more effective bilateral engagement with the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Agreement should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: