AMBASSADOR N.OYUNDARI PARTICIPATED IN THE EU RAW MATERIALS POLICY EVENT

A high-level policy event focusing on the European Union’s raw materials strategy—particularly those critical to the energy and digital transitions—was held today in Krakow. The forum brought together policymakers, industry experts, and academic institutions to discuss the future of Europe’s supply of critical raw materials.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the following key topics:

• The implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA);

• Strategic priorities for ensuring sustainable and secure access to critical raw materials;

• Strengthening international cooperation in the raw materials sector;

• Identifying and supporting strategic investment projects across the EU.

The event highlighted the indispensable role of critical metals in advancing Europe’s clean energy technologies, defense systems, and digital infrastructure. These metals are considered “critical” due to their:

• High economic and strategic value;

• Vulnerability to supply disruptions;

• Lack of viable substitutes.

Critical metals are vital for:

• Energy transition: Solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems;

• Defense and aerospace: Advanced materials for national security applications;

• Electronics: Components in smartphones, medical devices, and semiconductors.

The event was jointly organized by EIT RawMaterials, the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, and AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable raw material value chains.