European Commission Unveils Second Group of Strategic Projects Under Critical Raw Materials Act

According to the European Commission, Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné addressed the press in Brussels on 9 October 2026 to announce the selection of the second group of strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act. Speaking from the EU capital, Séjourné detailed the ongoing progress of the Union's ambitious raw materials policy, highlighting key industrial initiatives designed to secure reliable access to essential materials necessary for the green and digital transitions. This announcement is a core component of the broader European Union strategy to reduce strategic dependencies on third countries and strengthen the resilience of the single market. By streamlining permitting procedures and unlocking targeted financial support, the Critical Raw Materials Act seeks to foster domestic extraction, processing, and recycling capacities across member states, aligning industrial policy with geopolitical imperatives. For European businesses and citizens, these developments promise greater supply chain stability and new industrial opportunities, though they also raise questions regarding environmental standards and local community engagement. Policymakers will continue monitoring project rollouts as the Commission advances its agenda to meet stringent EU self-sufficiency targets outlined in the legislative framework.

Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗