RESourceEU plan

Practical Information:

• Composition of the Study Group:
• Administrator: Adam DORYWALSKI / Santiago DIAZ-DE-VILLEGAS LE BOUFFANT
• Contact: e-mail

Background:

On 3 December, the European Commission adopted the RESourceEU Action Plan to accelerate and strengthen the EU’s efforts to secure a stable supply of critical raw materials such as rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium. Building on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the initiative aims to shield European industry from geopolitical and price shocks, boost strategic projects in Europe and partner countries, and diversify global supply chains. The plan also prioritises circularity through measures such as new rules on exports of scrap and waste materials, expanded product labelling to encourage recycling of permanent magnet waste, and a dedicated action plan by mid-2026 to support recycled nutrients for fertilisers. Announced in response to China’s tightening of rare earth exports, the initiative supports the EU’s broader industrial policy objective of strengthening strategic autonomy.

To address long-standing barriers faced by industry, RESourceEU will mobilise European financing instruments, including the Innovation Fund, and streamline permitting procedures to accelerate investment in mining, refining and recycling projects. The Commission also plans to establish an EU raw materials centre to enable joint purchasing, stockpiling and coordinated investment, as well as to support research into substitutes for critical materials. Together, these measures aim to enhance resilience across the single market, prevent fragmentation during supply disruptions, and ensure a collective and effective response to future critical mineral shortages.