EESC presses EU for cohesive approach to raw materials policies to address resource security and green transition

The EESC adopted an opinion at its July plenary emphasising the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to raw materials policies. It proposes expanding critical materials lists, ensuring fair energy prices, simplifying permits, prioritising recycling and promoting capacity building in EU raw materials policies. China currently dominates the global supply of critical raw materials, with Europe producing less than 5% of the world's mineral raw materials. With demand for global raw materials projected to double by 2060, action is imperative.