**US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Sparks EU Concerns**
The latest draft of the US-Ukraine minerals deal has raised eyebrows in Kyiv, with many fearing it could undermine Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union. The deal, which has already caused tension between Ukraine and Washington, has been criticized as a threat not just to Ukraine’s control over natural resources and infrastructure but also its future EU membership.
**A Delicate Balance**
Ukraine confirmed on April 1 that it had received a new proposal from Trump’s administration days prior and the two sides had “begun consultations.” However, the deal is at odds with the EU memorandum signed between Brussels and Kyiv in 2021. The US agreement would grant American companies preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, which contradicts Ukraine’s obligations as a candidate country.
**EU Concerns**
The EU has expressed concerns that the US deal could harm Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. Dr. Teona Lavrelashvili, a Visiting Fellow at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, warned that if Ukraine signs the deal, its credibility “could weaken” while raising “questions about its strategic alignments.” The EU has also committed to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, which could be hampered by the US agreement.
**A Trap or an Opportunity?**
Arsen Yatsenyuk, a former Prime Minister and economist, described the US deal as a “trap.” Others, however, believe that Ukraine can find a balance between its interests in signing a minerals deal with both the US and EU. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on April 1 that Kyiv is eager to pursue a deal with the US but wants one that “meets the interests of both countries.”
**A Complicated Story**
André Sapir, a senior fellow with Bruegel, noted that it’s possible for Ukraine to have a resource agreement both with the US and EU, but Kyiv would have to renegotiate the terms with Washington. However, this would require Trump to be open to compromise, which remains uncertain.
**The Way Forward**
Ukraine is still committed to its EU membership goals, with many in Kyiv believing that finding a balance between the US and EU deals is possible. Oleksandr Merezhko, Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament‘s Foreign Affairs Policy, suggested that Trump might eventually come to an acceptable compromise.
**The Bottom Line**
The US-Ukraine minerals deal has sparked concerns about Ukraine’s future EU membership. While it may be possible for Ukraine to find a balance between its interests in signing deals with both the US and EU, the road ahead is complex and uncertain. One thing is clear: Kyiv will have to navigate this delicate situation carefully to avoid harming its ambitions to join the European Union.
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