The European Union faces significant challenges in securing adequate supplies of critical raw materials, which are essential for advancing clean technology infrastructure across the continent. Currently, the EU relies heavily on imported raw materials while lagging behind other major economies in making necessary investments in this sector. Recent energy crises have underscored the risks of developing new dependencies on critical raw materials, prompting calls for more strategic approaches to supply chain resilience.
Previous EU initiatives aimed at addressing critical raw material access have achieved mixed results despite considerable effort and commitment from member states. Policy experts argue that a more comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed to match the strategies already being deployed by competing economies. Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States have implemented integrated government approaches that have proven more effective in securing supplies and managing dependencies.
Proposals for a new CRM Centre suggest it should expand well beyond basic coordination and material stockpiling functions. Instead, advocates recommend it serve as the primary financial instrument for European mineral diplomacy, with authority to direct and support investments at the national level. The Centre would also coordinate activities among development banks and export credit agencies while managing aggregate offtake agreements with suppliers.
Funding for such an entity would require substantial resources, with proponents suggesting primary support should derive from the European Competitiveness Fund and the Global Europe Instrument. Establishing an independent mandate with adequate financial capacity would enable the Centre to deploy resources effectively and deliver tangible progress on securing sustainable, resilient supply chains that support Europe’s clean technology objectives.
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