EU backs US-Ukraine minerals deal, says it won't hinder Kyiv’s membership bid

The European Commission has welcomed a newly signed fossil fuel agreement between the United States and Ukraine, stating that the deal aligns with European Union law and will not hinder Ukraine’s bid for EU membership.

Speaking in Brussels on May 2, European Commission Spokesperson Paula Pinho said the agreement takes into account the EU accession process and legal framework, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

“We do welcome the agreement that was struck yesterday, that it does take into consideration notably the accession process of Ukraine, which obviously is of key importance. And that is something which, of course, we had discussed with our Ukrainian counterparts,” she said.

She added that the Commission understood Ukraine’s concerns about ensuring that international agreements do not jeopardise its future membership prospects.

The agreement, signed on April 30, grants the United States preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and supports the creation of a joint investment fund aimed at rebuilding the war-torn country. The initiative is being heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to help broker a peace settlement in the ongoing war with Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli