Eirini Zarkadula, spokesperson for the European Commission, emphasized that the Jadar lithium and boron mining project’s status as a “project of strategic importance” can be revoked immediately if Serbia fails to meet specific EU conditions.
Before mining can begin, the project must comply with ongoing environmental impact assessments and public consultations according to national laws. The project must be implemented sustainably, minimizing environmental and social impacts, respecting human rights, and safeguarding the interests of local residents and workers — especially in cases involving forced relocations and local employment.
The European Commission acknowledges that Rio Tinto has made exceptional efforts in transparency and public engagement regarding the project. However, if these criteria are no longer met, the Commission retains mechanisms to remove the project from the strategic list.
Zarkadula also noted the Commission’s awareness of public concerns in Serbia about mining and lithium extraction. This concern was factored into the evaluation, reinforcing that failure to meet conditions will result in the project’s withdrawal from the strategic status.
