This announcement builds on the existing EU-Australia Strategic Partnership on Critical and Sustainable Minerals, signed in May 2024, and complements the 47 Strategic Projects already selected within the EU – more than 10 percent of which also involve Australian stakeholders.

The selected strategic projects – including those in Madagascar, Kazakhstan and Serbia led by Australian companies – are designed to help meet Europe's growing demand in sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and aerospace. At the same time, the projects are designed to boost local value creation in third countries.

All selected projects were independently assessed to ensure they meet the criteria established in the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, in force since May 2024, notably regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. They must also be mutually beneficial, delivering value both to the EU and to the partner countries.

The thirteen Strategic Projects outside the EU are expected to require a combined investment of €5.5 billion to begin operations. To support their development, the Commission will strengthen cooperation with the countries involved, particularly through existing Strategic Partnerships on raw materials value chains.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy:

''Europe needs raw materials to succeed in our industrial and climate ambitions. The EU requires stable, secure and diversified supply chains. After the projects announced in the EU, today’s list of 13 Strategic Projects across the world will help to reduce Europe’s dependencies, contribute to our economic security while creating growth, jobs and export opportunities in the countries concerned.''

Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships:

''Securing reliable supplies of critical raw materials is a strategic priority for Europe’s resilience and competitiveness as it is essential for the modernisation of our economy. The EU offer is to link cooperation in this area with skills, quality jobs, access to clean energy and essential services, and with good practices and high standards. This is what the Global Gateway is about, and our projects prove it in action. With this approach, we contribute to prosperity and stability in both Europe and our partner countries, strengthening economic security and diversifying supply chains.''

For more information:

• Commission selects 13 Strategic Projects in third countries to secure access to raw materials and to support local value creation

• Selected strategic projects

• Australian companies awarded Strategic Projects under EU's Critical Raw Materials Act