On Thursday 7 September, members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry (ITRE) adopted the report by Nicola Beer (Renew Europe, German) on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act). The plenary vote, initially scheduled for October, has been brought forward to 14 September in order to start the inter-institutional negotiations as quickly as possible.
The political groups had agreed on a text (see EUROPE 13242/7). This compromise was the subject of a single block vote, approved by a show of hands. The final text was then adopted by 53 votes to one, with five abstentions.
For the rapporteur, Nicola Beer, this broad agreement between MEPs “sends a strong signal to the Commission and the Council”.
Parliament’s position, if confirmed in plenary, is broadly similar to the Commission’s proposal (see EUROPE 13143/2): MEPs are maintaining one list of critical raw materials and a second for critical raw materials considered strategic. Their content remains unchanged, unlike in the EU Council’s position, which includes aluminium in the list of critical and strategic raw materials (see EUROPE 13213/8).
In addition, Parliament is suggesting that recycling targets for critical raw materials be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, rather than aiming for an ‘all materials combined’ rate of recycling. It proposes to increase recycling rates by 10% by 2030.
Finally, Parliament wants to simplify the procedures leading to the recognition of extraction, transformation or recycling projects as strategic. According to the elected representatives, however, particular attention must be paid to certain environmental and social criteria when applying for recognition.
To see the compromise text, go to https://aeur.eu/f/8gz (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)