This Week in Mining — Brussels (#14, 2026)
EP draft report on permit-granting for mining and grids; DEVE opinion targets Critical Raw Materials Act; Council energy ministers meeting scheduled.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
EP draft report on permit-granting for mining and grids; DEVE opinion targets Critical Raw Materials Act; Council energy ministers meeting scheduled.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured dialogue with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.
EU Council
Energy ministers to meet informally in May
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of energy ministers on 12 May 2026. No public summary has been made available for this upcoming gathering, which is expected to touch on energy policy priorities, including those relevant to critical raw materials and mining.
EP Committee Work
Draft report: Acceleration of permit-granting procedures for energy infrastructure and renewables
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) published a draft report on 16 April 2026 regarding the proposal to amend Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, and (EU) 2024/1788 to accelerate permit-granting procedures (2025/0400(COD)), with Niels Fuglsang as rapporteur. The report proposes targeted changes to streamline permitting for grid and renewable projects, including exemptions for certain environmental assessments and stricter deadlines for authorities. Amendments address grid connection procedures, digitalisation, and benefit-sharing with local communities. The explanatory statement highlights the context of recent energy market disruptions and the need for faster deployment of new capacity.
Development Committee opinion: Secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials
On 15 April 2026, the Committee on Development (DEVE) adopted its opinion, rapporteur Marit Maij, on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act) (2025/0385(COD)). The opinion focuses on Article 24 concerning company risk preparedness, transferring identification of covered large companies to the Commission and clarifying risk assessment and mitigation requirements. The opinion calls for conflict- and environmentally-sensitive risk analysis and stakeholder consultation, particularly with local communities and civil society. It also addresses transparency, due diligence, and diversification of supply chains in response to geopolitical supply risks.
