German Left Party MPs have raised concerns over the mining of lithium in the Jadar Valley, Serbia, questioning their government’s stance and expressing dissatisfaction with the responses provided. According to Cornelia Möhring, a Die Linke MP, the German government’s answers reflect its prioritization of geopolitics and industrial interests over democratic principles and environmental protection. Möhring highlighted that local Serbian communities have been protesting for years against industrial lithium mining due to its harmful consequences, facing threats and persecution in return.
In a recent inquiry, Möhring, alongside MPs Gregor Gysi and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow, criticized the German government for failing to address key concerns, including environmental violations and threats against Serbian environmental activists. The Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection, representing the German government, avoided providing clear commitments on human rights and ecological standards.
The MPs cited the “Strategic Partnership Agreement for Sustainable Raw Materials”, signed in July 2024 by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and EU Vice President Maroš Šefčovič. This agreement opens doors for Rio Tinto’s lithium mining operations in Serbia, which activists claim disregard environmental and democratic standards.
Möhring criticized the government for neglecting Serbia’s deteriorating democracy and rule of law, accusing it of prioritizing cheap electric car batteries over human rights. She called for an immediate moratorium on the lithium deal and urged a reassessment of Germany’s foreign policy to ensure transparency and accountability.
Another Die Linke MP, Gökay Akbulut, condemned the German government for relying entirely on Serbian authorities to enforce environmental standards. He stated that this unprincipled approach undermines both environmental efforts and democratic values, signaling that economic interests outweigh ethical considerations.
