EU Court of Auditors warns of persistent dependence on critical raw materials

An article by Courthouse News Service reports on a new analysis by the European Court of Auditors, which concludes that the EU will remain heavily dependent on imports of critical raw materials for the foreseeable future. The report cites long permitting procedures for mining projects, a limited number of processing facilities within the EU, and the still modest contribution of recycling as key factors. The auditors state that many of the measures currently in place are unlikely to be sufficient to secure the raw materials needed for the energy transition in time.

The article also points to institutional framework conditions in the EU: while faster and more targeted investments are considered necessary to develop strategic industries, democratic processes – important for legitimacy and the representation of diverse interests – tend to make decision-making more complex and time-consuming. This tension is highlighted by ESM Foundation CEO Alessandra Hool, who is quoted in the article.

Article: https://www.courthousenews.com/auditors-no-easy-path-forward-for-europe-on-critical-minerals/