The EU has a unique opportunity to bolster its strategic autonomy by intensifying its partnership with Ukraine, particularly in light of the signed US-Ukraine minerals deal. The 2021 partnership agreement on raw materials remains a valuable foundation. Still, in its current shape, it requires targeted enhancement to reflect the current geopolitical challenges and to more effectively integrate Ukraine into the EU’s critical raw materials strategy. By taking affirmative actions through targeted investment, active pursuit of joint ventures and technical support for Ukraine’s minerals sector, the EU can secure vital minerals for its automotive, defence, and aerospace industries. Simultaneously, these actions can support Ukraine’s recovery and accelerate its European integration.

At the same time, Ukraine’s position is also crucial considering the strategic implications of the signed US-Ukraine minerals deal. The Ukrainian government must thoroughly manage how its new bilateral commitments influence its sovereignty, control over critical minerals, and ability to ensure regulatory and investment alignment with the EU. The key question is whether the Ukrainian government can balance partnerships with the EU and the US while maintaining its commitment to EU integration and legal obligations. In this regard, the EU should be more proactive, especially considering the importance that Ukraine’s critical minerals can play in meeting some of the CRMA objectives and its broader industrial resilience.