European auditors: EU may run out of raw materials for renewable energy

 

We have neglected manufacturing, we lack the technology and cheap energy to compete.

The European Court of Auditors’ report rightly warns that the EU risks failing to meet its energy and climate goals due to difficulties in securing supplies of critical raw materials. Dependence on imports from a few third countries, a failure to diversify and obstacles to local production threaten the green transition. Strategic autonomy needs to be strengthened.

 

Dependence: The EU is too dependent on a small number of third countries.

Problems: Action on imports is not yielding tangible results, and local production faces obstacles.

Risk: EU-funded projects may not be implemented on time.

 

This report highlights that without urgent action to reduce vulnerability, the EU will not be able to achieve its planned energy transition.

 

“The European Union (EU) is facing difficulties in securing the supply of raw materials needed to achieve its energy and climate goals. Community action on imports is not yielding tangible results, and there are obstacles to developing domestic production. As a result, many EU-funded projects are unlikely to be implemented on time.

 

“Without essential raw materials, there will be no energy transition, no competitiveness and no strategic autonomy. Unfortunately, we are now dangerously dependent on the supply of these raw materials from a few non-EU countries,” the report quotes Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Member of the Court of Auditors. “It is therefore essential that the EU steps up its efforts and reduces its vulnerability in this area.”

 

Until we retire Merz and Macron, nothing will happen.