The EU’s €22.5 Billion Plan to Secure Its Raw Material Future with 47 Strategic Projects

EU Strengthens Resource Security with 47 Strategic Projects Under the Critical Raw Materials Act

Editorial Team (ET)May 9, 2025

The European Commission has taken a historic step in ensuring Europe’s long-term industrial and economic security by approving a list of 47 Strategic Projects aimed at bolstering the domestic production and processing of critical raw materials. This milestone initiative aligns with the ambitious targets set under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which mandates that by 2030, the EU must extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of its demand for strategic raw materials.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, emphasized the significance of this move, stating:

"At the very start of our most strategic supply chains, are raw materials. They are also indispensable to the decarbonisation of our continent. But Europe currently depends on third countries for many of the raw materials it needs the most. We must increase our own production, diversify our external supply, and make stockpiles. Today, we have identified 47 new strategic projects that, for the first time, will help us secure our own domestic supply of raw materials. This is a landmark moment for European sovereignty as an industrial powerhouse."

With these selected projects, Europe is positioning itself to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, reduce reliance on third-country imports, and strengthen key industries such as green energy, digital technologies, aerospace, and defense. This landmark decision marks a decisive effort to secure Europe’s place in the global resource economy while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

A Comprehensive Approach to the Raw Materials Challenge

The 47 approved Strategic Projects span across 13 EU member states, including Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, and Portugal, covering key raw materials essential for battery production, high-tech industries, and clean energy technologies. A total of 25 projects are dedicated to extraction, 24 to processing, 10 to recycling, and 2 to the substitution of critical materials.

Lithium, which is fundamental for battery production, dominates the selection, with 22 projects focused on its extraction, processing, or recycling. Additionally, 12 projects target nickel, 10 are dedicated to cobalt, and 11 focus on graphite, all of which are crucial for the EU’s energy transition. These initiatives will significantly boost Europe’s ability to meet its lithium and cobalt benchmarks while making considerable progress in securing other vital resources such as manganese, magnesium, and tungsten.

Driving Industrial and Energy Resilience

Europe’s green and digital transformation hinges on stable access to critical raw materials. With increasing global competition for these resources, the EU’s strategy is centered on minimizing geopolitical risks and ensuring a steady supply chain. The selected projects are not only commercially viable but also align with the EU’s stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

These projects offer cross-border benefits, reinforcing regional cooperation and industrial synergies. By prioritizing domestic production and processing, the EU reduces its dependency on external suppliers and strengthens its strategic autonomy. In a world where supply chains are often disrupted by geopolitical tensions, ensuring a homegrown supply of key resources is not just a matter of economic strategy but one of long-term security.

The €22.5 Billion Investment to Fuel Europe’s Future

To bring these projects to life, an estimated €22.5 billion in capital investment is expected. This financial commitment underscores the EU’s recognition of the critical role that raw materials play in securing the continent’s industrial future. These projects will benefit from streamlined regulatory approvals, ensuring faster execution while maintaining rigorous environmental oversight. The CRMA mandates that the permit-granting process will not exceed 27 months for extraction projects and 15 months for other projects—significantly cutting the traditional five to ten-year approval timelines.

Beyond regulatory facilitation, these projects will gain access to funding from EU institutions, national governments, and private investors. Additionally, the EU will provide support mechanisms to connect these projects with key industrial off-takers, ensuring stable demand and financial viability.

Strengthening the European Battery Supply Chain

The push for raw material security is critical for Europe’s battery manufacturing sector. The selected projects will provide the necessary materials for battery production, which is the backbone of Europe’s clean energy ambitions, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. By ensuring domestic supply, the EU is taking a major step toward reducing reliance on China and other external suppliers that have traditionally dominated the battery material market.

The EU’s strategy aligns with the broader global shift toward securing raw materials through regional partnerships. Countries worldwide are reevaluating their raw material dependencies and investing in local projects to shield their economies from supply chain disruptions. Europe’s initiative under the CRMA is a testament to this strategic realignment, placing the region at the forefront of sustainable resource management.

The Road Ahead

The Commission’s approval of these 47 Strategic Projects is only the beginning. As the demand for critical raw materials continues to grow, the EU must remain agile in expanding and adapting its resource strategy. A second round of project applications is already in the pipeline, expected to be announced later this year.

In addition, the EU is evaluating the feasibility of extending similar strategic project designations to third-country initiatives that align with European supply chain needs. This will further diversify the sources of raw materials while ensuring that the EU remains resilient against market fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.

With the implementation of these projects, Europe is not just securing its economic future but also setting a global benchmark for sustainable and responsible resource development. The EU’s ambitious approach is a game-changer, ensuring that the region remains a competitive player in the global industrial landscape for decades to come.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s decision to approve 47 Strategic Projects under the CRMA is a landmark moment for Europe’s industrial strategy. By strengthening its raw materials supply chain, the EU is taking decisive steps to safeguard its green and digital transitions, bolster its defense and aerospace industries, and secure long-term economic stability. With a €22.5 billion investment and an accelerated permitting process, these projects are set to transform Europe’s raw material landscape and reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable resource management.

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