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Europe’s transition to a sustainable and digital society can only happen with a strategic approach to raw materials; from electric mobility and battery storage to renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings, all the way to defence applications, raw materials are essential/indispensable to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality ambitions. Aluminium specifically is set to play a key role as the demand for electric vehicles, electricity transmission networks and solar panels increases. A study by KU Leuven shows that the EU energy transition will lead to a 30% increase in aluminium demand by 2040. In this scenario, increasing and preserving the capacity of Europe's low-carbon primary aluminium production, while boosting the recycling value chain is the only way Europe can meet the growing demand and achieve strategic autonomy.

In light of the risk of structural import dependencies, trade diversification alone – although necessary – will not suffice. To strengthen the resilience of domestic industries, other measures must be ramped up to help increase supply security, obtain more significant investments, and scale up recycling capacity to recover valuable secondary raw materials such as aluminium.

The Critical Raw Materials Act provides a unique opportunity to deliver a European industrial agenda supporting sustainable growth and strategic autonomy while ensuring raw materials production and transformation at the highest environmental and social standards. To guarantee success, concrete policy measures and investments will have to be considered for all the raw material industries, including those not deemed “scarce” or “rare”. Europe needs to develop a holistic, future-looking raw materials strategy that is capable of supporting societally critical industries and transition technologies alike

This roundtable debate, organised by European Aluminium in partnership with EURACTIV will provide a platform for policymakers and industry stakeholders to exchange on the future of the raw materials industry in Europe, the opportunities and cornerstones of an effective Raw Materials Act - with a focus on the aluminium industry.


Organised by: European Aluminium
Media Partner: EURACTIV

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