abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb

The content is also available in the following languages: français

Article

15 Nov 2023

Author:
Euractiv,
Author:
// Toute l'Europe

EU: European Parliament and Council agree on Critical Raw Materials Act

Shutterstock (licensed)

"EU agrees mineral supply targets to cut reliance on China"

Negotiators for EU governments and the European Parliament reached a deal on Monday (13 November) on targets for domestic supply of critical minerals such as lithium and nickel to reduce its reliance on third countries, principally China. [...]

The political agreement now needs to be formally approved by both Parliament and Council in order to become law – a process that is usually a rubber-stamping exercise. It will be put to a vote in the Parliament’s industry, research and energy committee (ITRE) on 7 December. [...]

Higher recycling goal

According to the new benchmark agreed by negotiators, the EU will aim to recycle at least 25% of its annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030 – up from 15% in the Commission’s original proposal.

The recycling goal will be based on materials collected from consumer waste rather than the EU’s annual consumption, a change in the calculation method that will be expounded by the European Commission in an implementing act to be adopted in 2027. Meeting the target will not be a legally-binding obligation on EU countries, however. [...]

The new law will also ensure “the highest environmental and social standards,” he added in a statement, saying the Commission will now “work with EU members to identify strategic projects that will benefit from shorter and more efficient permitting procedures and easier access to finance”.

Timeline