The European Union and Serbia signed a strategic raw materials partnership intended to secure access to critical minerals and diversify supply chains in the region. The agreement has been followed by widespread protests in Serbia, with demonstrations centered on the balance between resource development, environmental protection, and democratic governance.
Critical Raw Materials Act framework and Serbia’s role
The partnership is connected to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which targets strategic resources used in batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies. The CRMA also aims to reduce dependence on Chinese imports by building domestic mining, processing, and recycling capacity.
Serbia’s participation is tied to its lithium deposits, particularly those in the Jadar Valley. The partnership is also presented as a way for the EU to expand its role in the Balkan raw materials sector as China increases its presence.
The memorandum of understanding was signed at the Serbian Critical Raw Materials Summit. It sets out cooperation across five areas: developing raw materials and battery value chains, innovation and research, adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, mobilization of financial instruments, and skill-building for high-quality jobs.
A joint roadmap is being developed to specify activities and support sustainable and transparent implementation of the MoU.
Rio Tinto’s Jadar project and reported production targets
At the center of the controversy is the Jadar lithium project led by Rio Tinto through its Serbian subsidiary Rio Sava Exploration. The project is designed to produce lithium carbonate and boron compounds.
According to the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA), the project could account for 10–15% of Europe’s lithium demand. The project has faced resistance linked to environmental concerns, potential land expropriation, and concerns about transparency.
Local and national protests have challenged government permits and spatial planning approvals related to the project. Early actions by protesters included revocation of initial permits and suspension of exploration, but those outcomes were temporary.
Licensing disputes, court ruling, and parliamentary vote
After parliamentary elections, the Serbian President described halting the project as a “biggest mistake,” indicating plans to move forward. A petition signed by 38,000 citizens calling for a ban on lithium exploration was not acted upon.
The Ministry of Mining extended licensing deadlines 18 times. After the EU-Serbia partnership MoU was signed, some protesters said it reinforced perceptions that both Belgrade and the EU supported the project, including Germany due to its battery metals interests.
The Constitutional Court of Serbia invalidated the government’s suspension of the spatial plan. Following that decision, approvals were reinstated for the project, prompting renewed nationwide protests.
The renewed protests were accompanied by arrests, police raids, and public campaigns against activists. A parliamentary bill aimed at banning lithium mining was rejected.
Rule of law concerns amid civic pressure
The events in Serbia have also been linked to broader concerns about democratic governance. Rankings from the Rule of Law Index, Corruption Perception Index, and Freedom House all point to democratic backsliding over the past decade.
Media, civil society groups, and opposition voices face increasing pressure. Activists protesting the lithium project have reportedly been targeted with spyware, arrests, and smear campaigns.
The EU has raised concerns in its Rule of Law Report but has limited tools to enforce reforms. Accession negotiations have largely stalled.
Critics cited in the reporting argue that Serbia’s government is using the raw materials partnership to strengthen political and economic control while suppressing domestic dissent.