Euronews Marks One Year of Reporting from Kazakhstan

Euronews has celebrated the first anniversary of its regional office in Kazakhstan, which opened in January 2023 in the capital city of Astana. This initiative aimed to enhance the visibility of Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s rich cultural and economic landscape to a global audience. By establishing a foothold in a region noted for rapid development and increasing engagement with European investors, Euronews has sought to provide direct reporting that captures the essence of this vibrant area.

During its inaugural year, the Astana bureau has produced over 50 episodes focused on Kazakhstan, covering significant events such as the EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as well as the Astana International Forum. These efforts have resulted in a substantial online presence, with articles accumulating more than 1 million views across Euronews platforms.

Bojan Brkic, the Astana bureau chief, expressed the office’s mission: “Our goal is to showcase the region’s rich heritage, culture, traditions, places to see, events to attend, food to eat, business opportunities to seize, and investment possibilities to explore. We want to inform the audience about everything they are often interested in but did not know exists in this region.”

The bureau’s output includes three main series that collectively highlight Kazakhstan’s multifaceted identity. The series titled “Modern Nomads” delves into the country’s history, culture, and stunning landscapes, with 22 episodes covering topics such as traditional clothing, jewelry, opera, ballet, festivals, and natural parks.

“Voices from Central Asia” presents stories of notable individuals, including academics, musicians, and athletes, showcasing the diverse talents and aspirations within the region. This series has produced 12 episodes, each revealing personal accounts that contribute to the understanding of the “Kazakh dream” and the local way of life.

Additionally, the “East West Connect” series focuses on the economic landscape of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It examines investment opportunities and the burgeoning cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, which is vital for the region’s growth.

The collaboration between Euronews and local media has also been recognized by industry leaders. Adlet Alimkhanov, CEO of the Media Development Fund, noted, “We collaborate with Euronews in the production of high-quality, informative projects designed for an international audience. These projects allow us to show the dynamic development of the country and enhance our media industry’s competitiveness on a global level.”

Maksat Urgenshbaev, CEO of the “24 KZ” TV Channel, a part of the Habar Agency, emphasized the positive impact of Euronews’ presence in Kazakhstan. He stated, “The opening of its bureau in Kazakhstan facilitated the spread of information about our country to a wide global audience. We got a unique opportunity to introduce our culture and history to the world.”

As the Euronews bureau in Astana continues to grow, it remains committed to illustrating the unique stories, cultural richness, and economic potential of Kazakhstan to international viewers. With its dedicated team of local journalists, Euronews aims to foster deeper connections between Kazakhstan and the global community.