The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) RawMaterials has issued a bold call for action to secure Europe’s raw materials supply chains.
Advocating for €4bn (US$4.1bn) in funding under the upcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10), the organisation aims to address Europe’s critical dependence on imports of essential raw materials. With the demand for these materials soaring globally, particularly for technologies driving the green and digital transitions, this investment is deemed essential to bolster European competitiveness.
Europe’s supply chain vulnerabilities
Europe’s economic goals hinge on access to critical raw materials (CRMs). These resources, indispensable for renewable energy, digital advancements, aerospace and defence, are currently sourced predominantly from non-European countries.
More than 70% of the raw materials vital for clean energy technologies and batteries are imported. Such dependency creates vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of geopolitical tensions or disruptions in global supply chains.
In recognition of this, the European Union adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), setting ambitious targets for 2030:
- Increase Europe’s domestic raw material production to 10%.
- Expand processing capacity to 40%.
- Achieve a 25% recycling rate for key materials.
The CRMA is explicit about the stakes involved: “Critical raw materials are indispensable for the EU economy and necessary for a wide range of technologies in strategic sectors.”
While the policy sets a roadmap, achieving these targets will require substantial investment and collaboration across industries, institutions and Member States.