The representatives of the Ukrainian Geological Survey (UGS) joined a high-level discussion on the EU’s raw materials policy, with a focus on critical raw materials. The Director General of the UGS, Oleh Hotsynets, participated in the EU High-Level Conference on Raw Materials Policy in Kraków, which brought together senior officials from across Europe, including the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. The conference was organised by the Polish Geological Institute and AGH University of Science and Technology in cooperation with EIT RawMaterials.

Oleh Hotsynets expressed gratitude to the EU, and Poland in particular, for supporting Ukraine amid Russian military aggression and emphasised the importance of strengthening partnership relations. He noted that the recent official screening of Ukrainian legislation under the “Industrial Policy” cluster, including the extractive sector, showed a high level of alignment with EU Regulation 2024/1252 and other EU acts. Ukraine continues implementing subsoil use reforms through the Ukraine Facility Plan and prioritises deep integration into the EU’s common raw materials market.

The conference focused on the role of critical raw materials in the EU’s energy and digital transition, the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act), strategic investments, and international cooperation. Participants highlighted the importance of geological research for critical raw materials security, investment, and strategic projects, as well as the contribution of non-EU countries to critical raw materials value chains.

Ukraine’s active participation demonstrates its ongoing integration into EU strategic initiatives on critical raw materials.