Critical Raw Materials: the EU should secure its own supply
''European Parliament, 24-11-2021''
MISSION
The Interest Group on Critical Raw Materials was created in 2012 with the support of a diverse group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the CRM Alliance with a view to creating an open dialogue and promoting contact between Members of European Parliament and civil society.
The Group aims to stimulate a dialogue on the importance of critical raw materials to our society and the need for effective public policies. The Group will look at the supply risks of CRMs, the EU reliance on imports from third countries, domestic production, role of trade agreements, CRMs and supply chains, R&D, among others. The Group will address the policies needed to ensure the supply and use of CRMs.
CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS ACT
In 2011, the European Commission published its first critical raw materials list. It contained 14 metals, selected following a defined methodology. The list was reviewed every 3 years, and over the years, the methodology and the collection of data was adjusted and became more robust. The current list contains 30 materials, mostly elements.
The lists of critical raw materials never had any legal consequences. For most substances on the list, it was positive to be on the list as it allowed them to demonstrate their importance in legislative procedurs, like substance evaluations, trade agreements and other. The need to formulate policies on critical raw materials and to define a supportive legal framework developed over the last few years. Certain CRMs were used by dominant producing countries as a trade retaliation instrument. Some industrial sectors suffered and are suffering from shortages of raw materials or components like semiconductors where CRMs play an important role. The EU also realizes that CRMs play a pivotal role in the enabling of green technologies. Finally, the Russian aggression against Ukraine displayed Europe’s dependence on imports of energy raw materials.
Europe wants to mitigate the risks of supply from third countries and has announced a Critical Raw Materials Act to address the risks and to provide a legal framework. The proposal is based on a public call for evidence and public consultations that took place at the end of last year.
We will report here on the publication of the proposal for a CRM Act after its publication, which is expected end of March 2023.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The European Parliament adopts legislation and is co-legislator with the Council of Ministers. It adopts and amends inter alia the proposals by the European Commission affecting raw materials and critical raw materials. Members of the European Parliament are elected by EU citizens every 5 years and the institutionis a platform for political discussion and direction.The announced proposal for a Critical Materials Act will be discussed, amended and voted by the European Parliament in the course of 2023
The European Parliament Committees that are likely going to be responsible of the file are:
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Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)
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Committee on International Trade (INTA)
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Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)
The name of the rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for the proposed Critical Raw Materials Act will be published here after their appointment.
Earlier discussions, parliamentary questions, reports and votes affecting (critical) raw materials include:
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EVENTS
- Time is TBDPublication of the CRM Act
