EU eyes Ukraine for key raw materials, including crucial graphite for strategic goals

The European Commission has reiterated its reliance on Ukraine for essential raw materials, particularly graphite, a key resource for various industries in the European Union.

Stéphane Séjourné, the executive vice president of the European Commission, emphasized that Ukraine's contribution to Europe's graphite supply remains critical to meeting the EU's demand, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, Séjourné underscored that Ukraine's graphite reserves are expected to cover up to 10 per cent of the EU’s total needs.

"As part of our ongoing partnership on rare earth resources, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine," Séjourné said. "During my recent visit to Kyiv, I reminded the Ukrainian authorities that the EU continues to count on this cooperation, especially concerning graphite, which plays a vital role in various European industries."

Before his remarks at the briefing, Séjourné outlined ambitious plans for the European Union's future self-sufficiency in rare earth metals. He pledged that by the end of the next decade, the EU would aim to increase its self-sufficiency in these critical resources to 65 per cent. Sejourné emphasized that the EU's overarching goal is to "produce in Europe for Europe," a strategy that is particularly significant given the ongoing investments in the military-industrial complex.

In late February, Sejourné also highlighted that Ukraine could supply Europe with 21 out of the 30 critical materials required for various industries. This reinforces the importance of Ukraine’s raw material resources in securing Europe's economic and strategic needs, especially as the continent looks to reduce its reliance on external suppliers and strengthen its position in global supply chains.

The EU's growing partnership with Ukraine over rare earth minerals, which are essential for the development of high-tech products and energy transition technologies, has been a key focus in recent months. Graphite, in particular, is critical for the production of batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies, aligning with Europe's strategic goals for digital and green transition.

By Vafa Guliyeva