Germany, France, Italy unite to secure sustainable raw material supply

The discussions centred around how these European nations, which heavily rely on individual countries, especially China, for the extraction and processing of raw materials, could bolster their security and sustainability in this domain. The current geopolitical climate, marked by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored this dependence and the urgency to address it, German, French, and Italian economic ministries said in a joint press release.

The sustainable supply of raw materials is crucial for industrial sectors in Germany, France, and Italy, particularly in the context of green and digital transformations. The ministers and industry representatives have therefore begun exploring collaborative measures to strengthen their collective capabilities in this regard.

The European legislation on critical raw materials (CRMA) aims to curtail the European Union’s strategic dependence in the sector. The trilateral discussions also addressed strategic projects necessary for the extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials, to move away from problematic dependencies.

This meeting marks the start of a new series of trilateral meetings among Germany, France, and Italy aimed at bolstering cooperation on strategic issues at the European level.

Minister Robert Habeck said: "We want to work together to make the supply of raw materials to our industries more sustainable and diversified, and to implement measures effectively. Better diversification of our raw material supply is economic security. Closer raw material cooperation is economic security. And that's exactly what we need to look at more closely. In concrete terms. In concrete terms, we therefore, should cooperate more closely in the areas of the extraction and processing of raw materials and jointly drive forward the circular economy.

“We also want to provide even better support for companies as they seek to secure a sustainable supply of raw materials. To this end, a working group on critical raw materials has been set up. The working group will exchange views on aspects of the sustainable supply of raw materials and, in particular, on the implementation of strategic projects in the extraction, processing and recycling of these raw materials."

“The meeting held in Berlin marks the opening of a new phase and the shaping of a European industrial policy for tackling all the challenges of the twin green and digital transition. This will ensure the EU strategic economy. Italy, Germany, and France account for a significant portion of the union economy, sharing value chains in many sectors. We represent one of the major global economic drivers. Together we can forge our future with the shared values of our common home,” said Adolfo Urso.

“We cannot secure the twin ecological and digital transformations, if we cannot help our businesses secure access to the raw materials they critically need. While the CRM Act is a very important first step, our meeting on the June 26 will provide us with the opportunity to discuss between governments, as well as with representatives of the industry, on how to go further. It is particularly crucial that we define concrete action on strategic projects and joint support, and that we discuss issues such as common stockpiling and joint purchasing. I am very confident that our cooperation will pave the way for a green and resilient Europe,” said Bruno Le Maire.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)