In an opinion adopted at its July plenary, the EESC urges the EU to take a comprehensive approach to raw materials policies. It proposes expanding the critical materials lists, ensuring fair energy prices, simplifying permitting, prioritising recycling, and promoting capacity-building in EU raw materials policies.

China currently dominates the global supply of critical raw materials, with Europe producing less than 5% of the world's mineral raw materials. With demand for global raw materials projected to double by 2060, action is imperative.

To address these challenges, the EESC recommends expanding the list of critical raw materials to include those vital for green and sustainable technologies, enabling targeted policies and investments. It also advocates fair energy prices, financial support, simplified permitting procedures, and partnerships with other countries to enhance resource security and drive the EU's green transition.

The EESC rapporteur for the opinion, Maurizio Mensi, emphasised the need to prioritise the recovery and reuse of raw materials in waste legislation as a way to reduce reliance on primary sources and stimulate economic growth. However, the Committee warns about the importance of balancing resource security with environmental considerations to align with the EU's sustainability goals.

EESC co-rapporteur Michal Pintér argued for EU-wide capacity-building in extractive industries. The opinion calls for a focus on developing human capital in extractive industries, and reskilling and upskilling the current workforce in order to foster a robust raw materials sector.

By collectively addressing these aspects, the EU can successfully transition towards a green economy, laying the foundations for a resilient, sustainable and globally competitive raw materials sector. (gb)