Commission on the Ukraine-US agreement on Ukrainian natural resources

The European Commission welcomed the agreement reached between Ukraine and the USA regarding Ukrainian natural resources.

“We welcome the agreement that has been reached. The agreement takes into account, in particular, Ukraine’s accession process to the EU and the EU acquis, which is of crucial importance,” said the Commission’s spokesperson, Paula Pinho, today. “This is something we had discussed with our Ukrainian partners, and we understand that this was also their concern – to ensure that such an agreement would not hinder the potential future accession process,” added P. Pinho. According to the Commission’s preliminary assessment, the Ukraine-USA agreement is not exclusive, therefore it will not impact the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the EU and Ukraine.

For his part, the spokesperson responsible for foreign policy issues, Anouar El Anouni, reiterated that “a priority for the EU is to ensure that Ukraine is in a position of strength.” He noted that the EU continues to increase its military support to Ukraine, with member states committing to provide up to 23 billion euros this year and achieving two-thirds of the target for ammunition delivery this year. “The stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger it will be at the negotiating table,” emphasized El Anouni, adding that the EU remains committed to the pledge it made three years ago. This means that “the EU continues diplomatic efforts at all levels and at all times to support Ukraine in its right to defense and in its efforts towards a long and just peace.”

“The more countries, including the USA, can share this common goal of strengthening Ukraine, the better,” added P. Pinho, finally. (2/5/2025)