Securing Europe's supply of critical raw materials (europa.eu)

Important projects of common European interest (IPCEIs), a State-aid tool to support strategic projects, have contributed to the development of CRM-related projects as well. For instance, the IPCEI on the battery value chain (approved by the Commission in 2021) aims to set up local production capabilities for processing of lithium hydroxide, new generations of anodes (new synthetic graphites and silicon anode material types),and low cobalt-containing cathodes. In June 2021, the EU set up a strategic partnership on raw materials with Canada, focusing on the integration of EU–Canada raw material value chains while enhancing collaboration on science

technology and innovation, as well as environmental, social and governance criteria and standards. In July 2021, a strategic partnership on raw materials was launched with Ukraine, including activities along the entire value chain of both primary and secondary critical raw materials and batteries. In November 2022, the EU established a strategic partnership with Namibia on sustainable raw materials value chains.