The European Commission has, for the first time, selected a list of 47 Strategic Projects aimed at enhancing domestic capacities for strategic raw materials. These initiatives are expected to fortify Europe’s raw materials value chain and diversify its supply sources. The Strategic Projects represent a key milestone in the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which seeks to ensure that the EU achieves extraction, processing, and recycling targets of 10%, 40%, and 25%, respectively, by 2030. By meeting these benchmarks, the projects will play a pivotal role in supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions, alongside strengthening the defence and aerospace sectors.
Key Details of the Strategic Projects
The selected 47 Strategic Projects span across 13 EU Member States, including Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Czechia, Greece, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland and Romania. Covering various stages of the raw material value chain, the projects include:
- 25 focusing on extraction,
- 24 on processing,
- 10 on recycling, and
- 2 on substitution.
These initiatives encompass 14 out of the 17 strategic raw materials identified in the CRMA. Notable resources include lithium (22 projects), nickel (12 projects), cobalt (10 projects), manganese (7 projects), and graphite (11 projects), which are vital for the EU battery value chain. Moreover, magnesium and tungsten projects will reinforce the resilience of the EU’s defence sector.
Benefits and Criteria
To qualify, projects needed to demonstrate contributions to securing EU’s raw materials, compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, technical feasibility, and cross-border benefits. With an anticipated investment of €22.5 billion, these projects will benefit from coordinated support regarding funding, streamlined permitting procedures, and connections with off-takers. Extraction permits will be processed within a maximum of 27 months, while other projects will follow a 15-month timeline, significantly shortening current durations of 5 to 10 years.
Background on the CRMA
The Critical Raw Materials Act became effective on 23 May 2024, with the European Commission subsequently inviting proposals for recognition of Strategic Projects. Following assessments and consultations involving Member States and the European Parliament, the final list of projects was announced. The Commission is also evaluating applications from non-EU countries and plans to issue a new call for proposals by the end of summer.
This represents a landmark achievement towards securing Europe’s supply of strategic raw materials and boosting sovereignty in industrial sectors.
