The European Commission has announced a list of 13 Strategic Projects aimed at securing access to critical raw materials outside the EU. These projects, located in various overseas countries and territories, are part of a broader initiative to diversify the EU’s supply sources and enhance economic security. The selected projects also aim to foster local value creation in the host countries.
This initiative builds on a previous list of 47 Strategic Projects within the EU, established in March 2025. Together, these 60 projects are expected to bolster the competitiveness of industries across sectors such as electromobility, renewable energy, defense, and aerospace. These efforts align with the Critical Raw Materials Act that was enacted in May 2024.
The newly selected projects span across Canada, Greenland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, Zambia—countries with which the EU has strategic partnerships regarding raw materials—and also include Brazil, Madagascar, Malawi, New Caledonia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Ten of these projects focus on raw materials crucial for electric vehicles and battery technologies like lithium and cobalt. Two projects involve rare earth elements vital for high-performance magnets used in wind turbines and electric motors. Additionally, copper essential for power grids and microelectronics is covered by some projects.
These Strategic Projects were chosen based on criteria set out by independent experts under the Critical Raw Materials Act. Environmental standards and mutual benefits for both the EU and third-party countries were key considerations during selection. The initiatives are required to contribute significantly to securing supply lines through agreements with European industries.
Financial support will be provided through coordinated efforts from the Commission alongside Member States and financial institutions to facilitate access to necessary funding estimated at €5.5 billion for project operations outside the EU.
Background details reveal that following its enactment on May 23rd, 2024; proposals were invited by August 22nd that year for recognition as Strategic Projects. Evaluations led to identifying initiatives focused on extraction or processing critical resources like recycling or substitution endeavors discussed among Member States before finalization earlier this year.
