Questions and answers on the Critical Raw Materials strategic projects

Strategic projects are projects that make a significant contribution to the EU's security of supply of strategic raw materials by helping diversify sourcing away from dominant suppliers, often China.

They can cover different stages of the raw materials value chain, including extraction, processing, and recycling. To qualify, projects must meet the criteria set out in the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), including requirements related to their contribution to security of supply, technical feasibility, sustainability, and cross-border benefits.

Strategic project status gives projects access to a number of benefits, including streamlined permitting, support in accessing financing, and assistance in connecting suppliers and buyers.

Strategic raw materials are inputs in products and technologies that are important for Europe's economy and security, such as batteries, renewable energy technologies, digital technologies, defence equipment, and aerospace.

Today, the EU depends heavily on third countries for many of these materials, principally China, a dependence which has already been used against the EU by limiting their supplies on the market and thus EU companies' ability to source these inputs. The strategic projects strengthen Europe's own capacity and thus make supply chains more resilient to disruptions. The projects therefore contribute to the competitiveness of European industry and to the EU's green, digital, and defence objectives.