This Week in Mining — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Critical Raw Materials Act: recovery list published; copper tube imports registered for anti-dumping; Rights for Nature ECI registered.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Critical Raw Materials Act: recovery list published; copper tube imports registered for anti-dumping; Rights for Nature ECI registered.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission lists products and waste streams for critical raw materials recovery under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116 of 26 May 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1116) establishes the list of products, components, and waste streams with significant critical raw materials recovery potential, as required under Article 26(7) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The list will guide Member States in the scope of national measures to increase circularity for critical raw materials. The Annex specifies the categories eligible for recovery, reflecting current technological and market conditions. Extractive waste is excluded, as it is covered under Article 27 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252.
Imports of copper tubes from China, Mexico, Vietnam and Uzbekistan subject to registration for anti-dumping
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1161 of 22 May 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1161) directs customs authorities to register imports of copper tubes from China, Mexico, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. The measure follows an anti-dumping complaint lodged by the EU Copper Tubes Defence Committee and covers products under CN code ex 7411 10 90. Registration allows possible retroactive imposition of duties if the investigation confirms dumping.
Commission registers European citizens’ initiative on Rights for Nature
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1141 of 19 May 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1141) registers the European citizens’ initiative ‘Rights for Nature: Empower Citizens to Represent and Protect Ecosystems’. The initiative seeks legal recognition of ecosystem rights in EU law and aims to empower citizens and communities to act as legal representatives for nature. The Commission found the initiative admissible under Regulation (EU) 2019/788.
EP Committee Work
AGRI Committee drafts opinion on 2027 EU budget
On 27 May 2026, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) published a draft opinion on the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2027. Rapporteur Wouter Beke addresses all budget sections relevant to the committee.
