The EC spokeswoman emphasizes that the ongoing dialogue between the EU and Serbia regarding strategic partnership in critical raw materials and batteries marks a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable and competitive e-mobility ecosystem in Serbia.
Furthermore, the signing of the Letter of Intent aligns with the EU’s strategy to develop a framework ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, as articulated in the EC proposal on the Law on Critical Raw Materials. The potential abundance of critical raw materials in Serbia, coupled with an ambitious strategy to vertically integrate the e-mobility value chain, along with the EU’s technological expertise across the entire value chain, including recycling and recovery, as well as geographical proximity, provides a solid foundation for initiating partnership discussions, as specified by Bernsel.
“The EU’s Law on Critical Raw Materials mandates stringent oversight of all project activities,” the spokeswoman underscores.
Responding to inquiries about the practical implications of the Law on Critical Raw Materials (CRMA), adopted by the European Council in March, and Serbia’s role, the EC spokeswoman explains to EWB that the law aims to establish a diverse, safe, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the EU industry.
“This law came into effect on May 23, 2024, applying to EU member states. As a candidate country for EU membership, Serbia is expected to adopt EU regulations, including this law, upon accession,” she states. “Additionally, project proponents from third countries like Serbia can seek strategic project status under the CRMA if they meet specified criteria,” Bernsel elaborates.
According to Bernsel, the CRMA defines a project as strategic if it enhances the security or resilience of strategic raw material supply to the EU, is technically feasible and sustainable, particularly in terms of environmental impact monitoring, prevention, and mitigation, and if it benefits both the third country and the EU through added value.
“The Commission evaluates project proposals to ensure they enhance EU supply security, including scrutiny of project control mechanisms,” the EC spokeswoman concludes.
