Critical raw materials in EU

Due to growing consumer demands, rapid deployment of new technologies and products, and diminishing reserves of non-renewable resources, concerns are growing globally over the long-term availability of adequate, accessible, and secure supplies of the raw materials needed by society.

Some resources are of particular concern and are considered as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) due to high supply risk and high economic importance. They are particularly important for high tech products and emerging technologies such as renewables, e-mobility, ICT, robotics, aerospace and defence, etc. Overall, they are strategically important for EU industry, job creation and social transition to a green, digital and sustainable community.

Explore Critical Raw Materials with our CRM Insider Tool

The global production of some of the crucial raw materials is highly concentrated in non-EU countries. In addition, some raw materials supplied to the EU come from countries with low standards of governance and low environmental and social standards, posing a higher risk of possible supply disruptions and challenges to responsible sourcing of materials. The supply risks have also been emphasised during the Covid19 pandemic as a result of economic slowdown and disruptions to global distribution systems.

CRM Insider Tool

CRM Circularity Opportunities

Supporting Policies

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