Ukraine and the European Union have signed a Memorandum on Strategic Partnership in the Raw Materials Sector and a corresponding Roadmap. The document was signed by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič on July 13 during the High-Level Conference on Strategic Partnership between the EU and Ukraine on Critical Raw Materials and Batteries.
This was announced on the official website of the Government Portal.
The Vice-President of the European Commission stressed that today Ukraine and the EU are opening a new page in the bilateral partnership.
"At every step, the European Union will support Ukraine. Strategic partnership in the raw materials industry is an essential stage in this direction, because critical raw materials, especially in view of decarbonization, have a huge potential in Ukraine," said Maroš Šefčovič.
The Prime Minister believes that Ukraine has the potential to become a leader in the usage of "metals of the future".
"By launching a strategic partnership with the EU on critical raw materials and batteries, which will be enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding and the Roadmap, we agree to join efforts and work more closely with the EU to develop a green economy, create new business opportunities and jobs", said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stressed that the Ukrainian industry can become a serious partner for European companies.
"By increasing our domestic production of 'minerals of the future' and fuel and energy minerals, increasing exports and reducing imports of mineral resources, the potential for efficient use of Ukraine's subsoil could reach more than US$ 400 billion in the next 10 years," Denys Shmyhal stressed.
The Prime Minister added that the comprehensive development of critical materials could attract US$ 10 billion in investments to Ukraine at the first stage.