EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and strategic partnerships on critical raw materials with third countries can provide some benefits to the EU’s non-ferrous metals industry, including access to third markets, reduced tariffs and trade barriers, as well as promoting EU sustainability, environmental, regulatory, and social standards worldwide.
These initiatives, together with the new Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships and the Global Gateway Strategy, can safeguard the security of long-term supply sources and boost trade and investment opportunities.
Europe’s protracted dependence on critical raw materials is giving other third countries a significant advantage in securing supplies of many metals required for the EU’s green and digital transition.
Europe should take action to secure its own long-term supply sources and refining capacity through a more stable and diversified raw materials supply chain.
In order to address the EU’s strategic metals dependence, we recommend:
