The European Union (EU) does not want to fall into a new trap – this time, not Russian gas, but Chinese lithium.
Brussels is now fast-tracking 47 mining and processing projects in 13 member states, with approval periods reduced to just 15 months to ensure supplies of the critical raw material are secure.
EU Vice President Stéphane Séjourné has insisted that the EU cannot replace its reliance on fossil fuels with foreign raw materials.
He also warned that Chinese lithium cannot become the new Russian gas.
The EU aims to extract 10% of its minerals, process 40%, and recycle 25% domestically by 2030, provided that €22.5 billion in investment can be raised.
But as the US and China accelerate their efforts, can the EU keep up?
In addition, public opposition to mining is growing, threatening the viability of the project.
If the EU fails to deal with this issue quickly, it not only risks losing control of strategic resources, but the dream of green energy could be thwarted before it can be realized.
