Could US deal derail Ukraine’s EU accession? Brussels responds
Photo: European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho (Getty Images)
The Ukraine-US minerals deal will not affect European integration. Ukraine and the EU will continue to cooperate, stated the European Commission spokesperson Paola Pinho, Corriere della Sera reports.
"We welcome yesterday’s agreement, which takes into account Ukraine’s EU accession process and EU legislation, which is of fundamental importance. This is something we, of course, discussed with our Ukrainian colleagues, and we know that they were also interested in ensuring that this agreement did not stand in the way of possible future membership,” Pinho said.
According to her, the European Commission is in close contact with Ukraine regarding parts of the US deal that could relate to Ukraine’s future EU accession.
Spokesperson for Competition Lea Zuber also emphasized that, in the EU’s assessment, the agreement with Ukraine and the US "is not exclusive and therefore will not affect the 2021 memorandum of understanding."
"Ukraine can continue to engage with the EU in this area, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation on this issue," the spokesperson added.
Ukraine–US minerals deal
On the night of May 1, Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals deal. It establishes an economic partnership between the two countries. Under the agreement, the United States will gain access to Ukrainian natural resources, and the profits will be directed into the joint American-Ukrainian Investment Fund for Reconstruction.
According to the document, the agreement covers 57 types of minerals. The deal will remain in force until both parties decide to terminate cooperation.
The agreement with the US requires ratification by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament - ed.). According to RBC‑Ukraine sources, Parliament plans to ratify the document next week, on May 8.
For more on the Ukraine-US agreement and why it is important, read the material by RBC‑Ukraine.
