Critical Raw Materials: MEPs back new measures to secure supply

CRMA provides support for strategic projects

Draft law will amend the 2024 regulation, with clearer process and responsibilities

MEPs advocate price-stabilisation mechanisms, export control clause

The proposal aims to bolster EU strategic autonomy by securing a sustainable, circular supply of critical raw materials.

The scheme approved on Wednesday by the Industry, Research and Energy Committee will channel targeted support to strategic projects covering the whole value chain, from mining and processing to refining and recycling. These measures are designed to speed up extraction, processing, recycling and substitution capacities, thereby diversifying EU supply chains.

In their amendments, MEPs call for the Commission to organise at least two cut‑off dates each year for strategic‑project calls, ensuring a predictable window for applicants while still allowing the Commission to launch additional, targeted calls when bottlenecks or gaps appear in the value chain. They also propose to shift the identification of “large companies” that use strategic raw materials from the Member States to the Commission, who will also have to provide guidance, training and appropriate tools to help those companies fulfil their risk‑assessment and mitigation obligations.

A conditional export‑control clause is introduced, allowing the Commission to restrict the export of permanent‑magnet scraps and waste so that recyclable material remains within the Union.

Price-stabilisation mechanisms

To improve the overall effectiveness of the framework, MEPs call for the introduction of price-stabilisation mechanisms such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs), which could give developers of extraction, processing and recycling projects revenue certainty. MEPs also seek to expand the existing joint‑purchasing mechanism to enable coordinated strategic stock‑piling of critical raw materials across Member States and undertakings.

Finally, MEPs underline the defence and security dimension of critical raw materials, urging that the forthcoming European Defence Industry Programme be mobilised to finance strategic raw‑material projects that are vital for the Union’s security and defence capabilities.

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“Europe cannot keep outsourcing its future. For critical raw materials, we must reduce our dependence on third countries and build our own capacity. If we truly want resilience, we need to invest in extraction, processing, and recycling, starting with better monitoring of our own value chains. Because the Nexperia case showed clearly: one Member State’s action, or inaction, can have consequences for all. Strategic autonomy requires stronger cooperation, accountability, and decisive action where risks are high” said lead MEP Mohammed Chahim (S&D, Netherlands).

Next steps

The report was adopted with 63 votes to 4, with 14 abstentions. MEPs also voted to open negotiations with Council with 66 votes to 11, with 4 abstentions. The decision will be notified to the full House during the 06-09 July plenary session in Strasbourg. If there is no objection, MEPs and the Presidency of the Council will start so-called “trilogue” negotiations for a first reading agreement on the text.

Background

The original Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted by Parliament in December 2023, laid the groundwork for a Union‑wide toolbox that guarantees industry access to the raw‑material inputs essential for the clean‑energy, digital, defence and aerospace transitions. The Commission proposed amendments to the CRMA in December 2025, stemming from the RESourceEU Action Plan.