07/03/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 7 March, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reacted to the European Commission’s forthcoming proposal - expected next week - on critical raw materials legislation. While ACEA welcomes the actions to strengthen the availability of critical raw materials for European industries, it also calls on the Commission, in the context of the forthcoming text, to create a favourable environment for investment in extraction, refining and recycling projects, to strengthen national capacities and to remove barriers to the extraction, refining and processing of raw materials. In addition, ACEA calls on the Commission to improve the security of supply and the diversity of raw material sources through free trade agreements and to ensure that access to essential raw materials “complies with international standards and adheres to sustainable practices that fully respect human rights and the environment”. (TM)