EU and Ukraine sign MoU on raw materials and batteries

The European Union and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the raw materials and batteries sector, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of interinstitutional relations and foresight Maros Sefcovic said July 13.

“This new chapter will strengthen our political bond and bring a range of opportunities for industry in the EU and Ukraine, helping to create local jobs linked to green and digital transitions,” Sefcovic wrote in a tweet. after signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Prime Minister of Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal.

The EU is allocating an additional € 750,000 in technical assistance to support capacity building in Ukraine on raw materials and batteries – a figure expected to increase next year, Sefcovic added.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine said that Ukraine and the EU are joining forces to develop a green economy and create new business opportunities. “Grateful to Maros Sefcovic and the European Commission for the new level of cooperation,” Shmyhal wrote in a tweet.

Speaking to the press in Kiev during the signing of the commodities partnership, Sefcovic noted that Ukraine is a priority partner for the EU. “The idea of ​​expanding our cooperation in the field of critical raw materials and batteries was born last October. Today, some nine months later, we are signing a Memorandum of Understanding – the first concrete step towards realizing this ambition. This is impressive, especially as Ukraine continues to face a multitude of challenges, not to mention the security situation on its eastern border and in illegally annexed Crimea, ”Sefcovic said.

“I am convinced that this new chapter of EU-Ukraine cooperation will not only strengthen our political bond, but also bring a wide range of opportunities for European and Ukrainian industry – and ultimately help to create and preserve local jobs in fields of the future, intrinsically linked to the green and digital transitions underway. As we do move towards climate neutral and digital societies, many key sectors – such as renewables, electronics, transportation, aerospace and defense – will depend on a reliable and sustainable supply of energy. raw materials at competitive costs ”, declared the Vice-President of the European Commission.

He recalled that batteries, for their part, are a holy grail of electric mobility and the storage of renewable energies.

“Ukraine is well placed to become an important player in the field of raw materials and critical batteries – even ready to become a leader in these fields within the Eastern Partnership and the Energy Community,” he said. he declares.

Sefcovic said Ukraine is on the verge of aligning its mining regulatory framework with that of the EU, committing to the highest environmental, social and governance standards.

In addition, the EU and Ukraine will launch their cooperation in the field of primary and secondary raw materials in Ukraine by supporting the modernization of the necessary technologies; pave the way for a circular economy approach; and identify business-to-business opportunities for the battery value chain on both sides.

“In this context, I am pleased to welcome the Ukrainian Ministry of Ecology as the most recent member of the European Raw Materials Alliance and the European Battery Alliance, both of which play a leading role in many emerging projects in the EU, ”said Sefcovic. .

This year, the EU is allocating an additional € 750,000 for technical assistance – a figure that is expected to increase next year. In addition, joint EU-Ukraine projects will be able to apply directly for funding under Horizon Europe, the largest research and innovation program of its kind. “And we will also encourage greater involvement of the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in many of these efforts,” he said.

“If we are successful, it will help us realize the full potential of our Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (CAFTA) has boosted EU-Ukraine trade by over 50% since its entry into force, and I encourage everyone to make the most of the extra boost to today, ”said Sefcovic, adding:“ Again, if if we are successful, it will also go a long way in building the resilience of Ukraine and Europe, especially as we seek to bounce back and emerge stronger from the current pandemic which has taken a heavy toll on our economies and our societies ”.