Tsahkna: European funding for Silmet must include a deadline to end its dependence on Russian raw materials

Tsahkna: European funding for Silmet must include a deadline to end its dependence on Russian raw materials

“Strategic project status also brings responsibility. Silmet must now demonstrate that it can act quickly and decisively to switch to alternative sources of raw materials. We cannot allow an industry that is critical to Europe’s security to remain dependent on supplies from an aggressor state,” said Tsahkna.

“Estonia continues to advocate strong sanctions against Russia. Alongside increasing sanctions pressure, however, we must develop Europe’s own production capacity and find new sources of supply. Silmet’s development project will create the necessary conditions for this and help strengthen Europe’s economic security,” the Foreign Minister emphasised.

Further information: European Commission press release.

Silmet 2.0 is the company’s investment and development plan, which involves adapting the plant’s infrastructure and production processes to use new sources of raw materials. The changes aim to ensure the continued operation of production that is strategically important to Europe.