Berlin, Germany – EIT RawMaterials, a leading knowledge and innovation community, has issued a compelling call for Europe to transform its raw materials sector into a cornerstone of strategic strength. The organisation has outlined key recommendations for the upcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10), urging the European Union to invest €4 billion to secure its raw materials future.
The Challenge: Dependency on Imports
Europe’s heavy reliance on imported critical and strategic raw materials (CRMs and SRMs) poses significant risks to its green and digital transformation goals. With nearly 100% dependence on external sources for key materials like lithium, magnesium, and rare earth elements, the EU is vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
The Solution: Innovation and Resilience
EIT RawMaterials proposes a multifaceted strategy to reduce dependency and build resilience:
- Domestic Production: Increase mining to supply 10% of Europe’s CRM needs.
- Advanced Processing: Expand processing capacity to 40%.
- Circular Economy: Reclaim 25% of CRMs through recycling.
- Global Diversification: Limit reliance on single-country sources to 65%.
Strategic Investments
To meet these ambitious targets, the organisation recommends focusing on:
- Disruptive Technologies: Develop cutting-edge solutions like Direct Lithium Extraction and advanced recycling.
- Circular Economy: Scale up industrial symbiosis and recycling initiatives to retain valuable materials.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Allocate €1 billion to foster collaboration between industry and academia.
- Workforce Development: Train 1.2 million workers by 2030 to address the sector’s growing demands.
A Sustainable Future
EIT RawMaterials emphasizes the transformative potential of the raw materials sector, predicting a €2 trillion economic impact and the creation of 32 million jobs by 2030. Their initiatives also align with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which sets ambitious targets for mining, processing, and recycling by the end of the decade.
Leading Innovation
Since its inception, EIT RawMaterials has mobilized €600 million in funding and unlocked €3.6 billion for research and innovation. Its initiatives have fostered a thriving ecosystem of over 300 partners and 750 alliance members, driving sustainable solutions and workforce development across Europe.
“The time to act is now,” said a spokesperson from EIT RawMaterials. “With bold investments and strategic collaborations, Europe can secure its industrial competitiveness, lead the global green transition, and build a resilient future.”
