10/06/2026
Pim Demecheleer, member of the Panel of Experts on Minerals of the European Federation of Geologists (https://eurogeologists.eu/panels-of-experts/minerals/), attended the EIT RawMaterials Summit 2026 last May in Brussels on behalf of this panel, and he shares with us some reflections on this event:
The central message was clear: Europe has largely completed the policy design phase for critical raw materials and must now focus on swift ex*****on. Discussions centred on reducing dependence on imported critical raw materials while building competitive value chains across mining, processing, refining, recycling, and advanced materials manufacturing.
Several positive developments stood out:
- Building international partnerships
The EU is adopting a global approach by strategically supporting CRM projects in selected partner countries (such as Uzbekistan, Zambia, Brazil, and others). In my view, this balanced strategy is essential. It secures access to raw materials while directing investments towards projects with the strongest technical and economic fundamentals, avoiding excessive spending on lower-ranked domestic projects driven primarily by political considerations.
- Europe's competitive advantages
Europe's strengths remain its technology, skills, sustainability standards, values and long-term business relationships. Long-term success will depend on competitiveness, which is largely determined by the geology and technical characteristics of mineral deposits. European geologists, including members of the EFG, have an important role to play in supporting sound investment decisions and sustainable resource development.
- Avoiding investment mistakes under geopolitical pressure
The current geopolitical environment creates pressure to accelerate investment decisions. Strategic objectives must remain aligned with sound technical and economic assessments. International reporting standards such as the CRIRSCO-aligned PERC Standard will become increasingly important in ensuring transparency, comparability and investor confidence.
- Growing momentum for raw materials in Europe
Awareness of the strategic importance of raw materials has increased significantly since the implementation of the CRMA. The Summit reflected realism, urgency and optimism, with a strong focus on turning ambitions into projects.
One question I continue to reflect on is the return on investment of the substantial public funding—potentially exceeding €3 billion—that will be directed towards the European raw materials ecosystem. Success will depend on identifying and supporting projects with robust technical, economic and strategic foundations, while avoiding excessive dilution across Tier-3 or speculative projects.
Europe knows what needs to be done. The challenge is to execute quickly and effectively.
