Victor Negrescu calls for the development of exploration and exploitation capacities for critical raw materials in EU Member States alongside the strengthening of the transatlantic partnership with the US in this field

In his intervention during the plenary session of the European Parliament, Social Democrat MEP Victor Negrescu stressed the importance of strengthening the transatlantic partnership between the European Union and the United States “at all levels” to secure critical raw materials and supply chains, given the “global competition generated by non-democratic states”.

This includes “joint preparation for the challenges posed by new economic and technological transitions”, the MEP arguing that “the future of economies depends on access to essential raw materials and minerals”.

At the same time, he added, “we must ensure that all European countries have access to the opportunities offered by these materials”. He called for the development of exploration and exploitation capacities in Member States which have these resources.

On the protection of supply chains, the Social Democrat MEP highlighted the need to develop production capacities in Europe, stressing the importance of protecting against unfair competition from non-democratic global competitors. He argued that the partnership with the United States is “an appropriate solution” in this respect and urged to speed up the process, while calling for transparency and openness in achieving common goals.

In July, the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations, on behalf of the EU, with the United States for an agreement on minerals and related negotiating directives.

The Critical Minerals Agreement will be key to diversifying international critical minerals supply chains. It will also contribute to strengthening transatlantic cooperation in the context of the green transition. The agreement will give the EU equivalent status to US partners in free trade agreements for the purpose of credit for clean vehicles under the US IRA.

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