Brussels, June 4, 2025 — In a major step toward strengthening its industrial resilience and advancing the green and digital transitions, the European Commission has adopted a list of 13 Strategic Projects focused on critical raw materials located outside the European Union.
The projects, spanning countries from Canada to Madagascar, are designed to diversify Europe’s supply chains for essential minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and copper — materials crucial for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, defense systems, and high-tech industries.
This decision marks the first international component of the EU’s broader strategy under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) , which came into force in May 2024. The CRMA aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on a limited number of suppliers by building resilient, sustainable, and diversified value chains.
Diversifying Supply Chains Across Strategic Partnerships
The selected projects are located across seven strategic partner countries and territories: Canada, Greenland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, and Zambia. Additional projects are situated in Brazil, Madagascar, Malawi, New Caledonia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Of the 13 projects, ten focus on materials essential for the battery and electric vehicle industry — including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Two projects involve the extraction of rare earth elements, which are vital for high-performance magnets used in wind turbines and electric motors. These projects complement three existing EU-based initiatives that process rare earths, together enhancing the bloc’s self-sufficiency.
Other strategic materials covered include copper — indispensable for power grids and microelectronics — as well as tungsten and boron, both key to aerospace, defense, and clean energy technologies.
Rigorous Evaluation Ensures Sustainability and Mutual Benefit
Each project underwent a stringent evaluation by independent experts to ensure compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, technical feasibility, and mutual benefit for both the EU and the host country. Proposals were also assessed on their potential to contribute to the EU’s supply security, often through binding off-take agreements with European downstream industries.
“This is not just about securing raw materials,” said Stéphane Séjourné , Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. “It’s about building partnerships based on shared values and long-term economic cooperation. These projects will help reduce Europe’s dependencies while creating jobs, growth, and export opportunities abroad.”
Coordinated Support and Investment of €5.5 Billion
The selected projects will receive coordinated support from the European Commission, EU Member States, and financial institutions, including facilitated access to funding and connections with potential European buyers. The total capital investment required to bring these 13 projects online is estimated at €5.5 billion .
In addition, the Commission will deepen cooperation with partner countries through existing Strategic Partnerships on raw materials value chains , reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties while promoting sustainable development.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela emphasized the geopolitical importance of this initiative: “Securing reliable supplies of critical raw materials is not only an economic necessity but a strategic imperative. Our approach combines high standards, local development, and global cooperation — principles at the heart of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.”
Building on Domestic Action
This announcement follows the adoption on March 25, 2025, of a list of 47 Strategic Projects within the EU, aimed at boosting domestic production and processing capacity of critical raw materials. Together, the 60 projects across Europe and globally represent the first tangible results of the CRMA’s implementation.
They are expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of EU industry, particularly in sectors central to the future economy: electromobility, renewable energy, defense, and aerospace.
Looking Ahead
With the full implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act now underway, the EU continues to work closely with international partners to ensure secure, transparent, and sustainable raw materials supply chains. These efforts reflect the bloc’s commitment to shaping a more resilient and strategically autonomous industrial base in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Commission has given the green light to 13 projects that will help it access raw materials located outside the EU. The projects will also boost local value creation in third countries. We need raw materials to build electric vehicles, batteries, high-performance magnets and much more.
We acknowledge The European Times for the information.
