The European Union has signed a pivotal agreement with Serbia to promote the development of lithium supply chains, marking a significant step in the EU’s strategy to build raw material partnerships and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This agreement grants the EU access to raw materials mined in Serbia, aiming to enhance the production of sustainable raw materials, battery manufacturing, and electric mobility. A roadmap is set to be developed by the end of the year to foster research and training in lithium technology.
The deal has stirred controversy in Serbia, where debates over the rights to lithium mining and its environmental impact have been intense. In 2022, protests halted the mining activities of Rio Tinto, a company that had been developing what is now recognized as Europe’s largest lithium mine in the Jadar region. However, the ban was recently overturned as unconstitutional, allowing Rio Tinto to resume operations under a renewed commitment to meet strict environmental standards.
