EU and Ukraine kick-start strategic partnership on raw materials

On 13 July, the EU and Ukraine launched a strategic partnership on raw materials, with the aim of achieving a closer integration of raw materials and batteries value chains. A Memorandum of Understanding in the field was signed by Vice-President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, and Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.

The strategic partnership with Ukraine will include activities along the entire value chain of both primary and secondary critical raw materials and batteries. It will also help diversify, strengthen and secure both sides’ supply of critical raw materials, essential for achieving the green and digital transitions, in line with the objectives of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Action Plan. The partnership also encourages closer collaboration in research and innovation along both raw materials and battery value chains using Horizon Europe.

The EU and Ukraine also launched cooperation on the EU technical assistance support under the strategic partnership. The EU topped-up its 2021 technical assistance programme to the Ukrainian government and companies by €750,000. Further substantial assistance support for capacity building, trainings and studies is foreseen as from 2022.

The EIB and EBRD will also mobilise financial and investment instruments to support concrete actions under the Memorandum of Understanding and the Roadmap.

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Press release