For a resilient, sustainable and responsible EU supply chain of critical raw materials

Background

 

This opinion looks at the interconnections between global value chains, climate change and decent work

In a geopolitical context marked by great uncertainty, securing the raw materials needed to develop a green and digital industry in Europe is a top priority. However, this must be done in a responsible way: the EU must aim to ensure that social and environmental standards are upheld in supplier countries throughout the value chains and work against any worsening of working conditions and against child and forced labour. It also needs to be alert to any environmental impact, especially in the mining sector, in industrial areas and in export processing zones.

To address these challenges, the EESC proposes a set of objectives and measures to achieve a resilient, but also sustainable and responsible EU supply chain.

 

Key points

 

The EESC argues that the EU should:

  • recognise that voluntary and non-binding measures are not enough to address the complex challenge of upholding social and environmental standards across global value chains;
  • ensure binding compliance with all international rules and standards in trade agreements, starting with rules on illicit trade in resources, including trade-related sanctions;
  • support production chain digitalisation. The use of digital technologies will be fundamental in improving supply chain management and production chain efficiency, and in identifying problems in a timely manner through order management platforms, product traceability and production process monitoring;
  • involve the European Parliament, as more than an observer, in the European Critical Raw Materials Board. The Board should consult EU social partners and civil society organisations.

Link to full opinion

 

Additional information

 

EESC section responsible: Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT)

Opinion type: Own-initiative opinion

Rapporteur: Cinzia DEL RIO (Workers – Italy)

Date of adoption by section: 04/09/2023

Result of the vote: 68 votes in favour and 12 against, with 12 abstentions

Date of adoption by plenary: 20/09/2023

Result of the vote: 156 votes in favour and 36 against, with 44 abstentions

 

Contacts

 

Daniela Marangoni

Press officer

Tel.: + 32 2 546 8422 | Mob: +32 475 99 94 32

email: daniela.marangoni@eesc.europa.eu

 

Silvia Staffa

Policy officer

Tel.: +32 2 546 83 78

email: silvia.staffa@eesc.europa.eu