The environmental protests in Serbia surrounding the Jadar lithium project have not only complicated internal matters but have also garnered significant international attention, particularly in light of the global race for lithium, a critical resource for the green energy transition. The Jadar project is seen as a crucial element of the European “green agenda,” which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and has attracted the interest of key European capitals like Berlin.
Lithium, essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, is scarce in Europe, making the Jadar project particularly appealing due to its proximity and potential cost-effectiveness compared to other global sources. Currently, Europe lacks substantial lithium extraction and processing capabilities, with the majority of lithium coming from countries like Australia, Chile and China. Europe’s dependency on China for lithium refining is especially problematic given the geopolitical tensions, making domestic sources like Jadar increasingly important.
Several European lithium projects are underway, including those in Germany and other EU countries, aimed at reducing dependency on external sources. However, the potential of the Jadar project remains significant, both economically and geopolitically. The project’s success or failure could influence Serbia’s ties with the EU, as deeper involvement in European supply chains could bind Serbia more closely to the EU, reducing its foreign policy flexibility.
The geopolitical stakes are heightened by concerns over China’s dominance in the lithium market, prompting Europe to carefully monitor developments in Serbia. The anti-Western rhetoric within Serbia’s environmental protests adds another layer of complexity, potentially fostering Euroscepticism and affecting Serbia’s relationship with the EU.
As demand for lithium is expected to surge, with prices predicted to rise, Europe is urged to secure its supply chains either through long-term contracts or direct involvement in extraction projects, highlighting the strategic importance of initiatives like the Jadar project.
