The European Commission announced today that it approved 47 strategic works For the extraction, processing and recycling of rare land and raw materials on European territory in order to reduce dependence on third countries and to differentiate supply sources.

The 47 strategic projects approved are in 13 Member States EU: Greece, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland and Romania.

These works cover 14 of the 17 strategic metalssuch as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and aluminum, listed on the law on critical raw materials (CRMA) which came into force in May 2024. According to this law, the aim is that the EU should be able to cover at least 10% of the EU and 40% of the EU. Recycling for each of these metals. In addition, the aim is that by 2030 the EU should not depend on a third country for more than 65% of its strategic raw materials.

A Greek project in the Commission’s list

A Greek project is included in the Commission list. Was submitted by the company “Metlen Energy and Metals and European Bauxites»And concerns the extraction and treatment of bauxite, alumina and galli. It is the only project, among the 47 in the EU, which concerns the mining of these metals.

The rationale of approval

According to the Commission, the 47 projects have been selected as they contribute to the safe supply of the EU to strategic raw materials, adhere to environmental, social criteria and criteria for governance and are technically feasible.

To put into operation, the 47 strategic projects have an expected total capital investment of € 22.5 billion. These projects will be able to benefit from coordinated support from the Commission, Member States and Financial Institutions to put into operation, in particular with regard to access to funding and support for connecting with interested parties. They will also benefit from simplified licensing procedures. According to CRMA, the licensing process will not exceed 27 months for mining projects and 15 months for other projects, while these procedures last five to ten years.

“Europe is currently dependent on third countries for many of the raw materials it needs most. We need to increase our own production, differentiate our external supply and create stocks, “said the executive vice -chairman of the Industrial Strategy, Stephanie Cézourne. “This is a milestone for European sovereignty as an industrial power,” he added.

Finally, it is noted that the Commission has received applications for “strategic projects” in third countries. The decision on the possible choice of these projects will be issued at a later stage.