Politico’s editorial focuses on the ongoing controversy in Serbia regarding the proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley. The project aims to supply the EU with lithium essential for electric vehicles. However, it has sparked widespread protests in Serbia over concerns about significant environmental damage and economic exploitation.
European Integration Minister Tanja Miščević told Politico that she understands the concerns of the project’s opponents. She emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating that countries must ensure environmental quality and protection to trade with the EU. Miščević dismissed allegations that the Jadar project will not meet EU standards as “nonsense.”
Politico also notes a recent Forbes Serbia report highlighting Serbia’s current unpreparedness to manage the Jadar project, with a shortage of inspection personnel cited as a major challenge. Miščević admitted that Serbia lacks the necessary systems but stressed the need for adequate preparation and quality control systems.
Srđan Majstorović, Chairman of the Board at the European Policy Centre, pointed out that there is no other lithium mine situated in a populated and fertile area like western Serbia, where the project is planned. He noted that the area is known for its fruit production and provides a third of Serbia’s drinking water.
Majstorović expressed concerns that the agreement’s significance for major European car-producing nations might lead the EU to overlook Serbia’s democratic backsliding. He warned that the European Commission and member states could become too lenient regarding violations of democracy and the rule of law in Serbia. According to Majstorović, this situation might suggest that the EU would prefer Serbia to remain outside of the Union, which he sees as a win-win for the EU in any case.
