EU lithium supply plans and implications for external sources
The European Commission has chosen nine lithium extraction projects within the European Union, with an expected contribution of up to 80% of the EU’s annual lithium consumption by 2030. The selection is presented as a way to reduce reliance on external supply, including Serbia’s Jadar lithium mine. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has said Jadar will soon be added to the list of strategic projects. The announcement nonetheless signals a change in how the EU is approaching critical raw material security.
Critical Raw Materials Act and Serbia’s legal position
The European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) provides faster approval procedures for projects designated as strategic. Serbia has not yet incorporated the CRMA into its legislation, so the EU decision does not carry legal effect in Serbia. This affects how the designation process would operate domestically for projects linked to EU strategic status. The CRMA-related timeline and procedures therefore remain separate from Serbia’s current regulatory framework.
Public opposition to the Jadar project and concerns raised
Opposition to the Jadar project remains high, according to civil society and public statements referenced in the reporting. Critics cite potential environmental harm, concerns about non-transparent operations by Rio Tinto, and allegations of corruption. Activists, civil society organizations, and academic workers have raised alarms about risks associated with the project. The level of scrutiny extends beyond permitting questions to how information is handled during selection and evaluation.
Support levels and transparency around EU strategic criteria
Public support for the Jadar mine has fallen from 25.6% to 19%. Many respondents oppose the government’s handling of the project. Despite these concerns, the EU selection process has been described as lacking transparency, and Rio Tinto’s application for Jadar has not been provided. As a result, it is described as difficult to determine whether Jadar meets the EU’s criteria for strategic status.
Shift toward recycling and alternative supply routes
The EU’s approach is moving toward alternative sources and recycling, which is intended to reduce demand for new mines such as Jadar. The EU also aims to recycle critical raw materials while reducing environmental impact. Within this framework, political leverage tied to Serbian lithium is described as diminishing. If Jadar were granted strategic status, activists are reported to be prepared to challenge it in the European Court of Justice.