This Week in Mining — Brussels (#24, 2026)
Foreign investment screening regulation enters into force; EU-Kazakhstan partnership deepened; Parliament committees back new measures on critical raw materials supply.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
Foreign investment screening regulation enters into force; EU-Kazakhstan partnership deepened; Parliament committees back new measures on critical raw materials supply.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 29, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Union’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors particularly in the area of health and amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1394/2007, (EU) No 536/2014, (EU) 2019/6, (EU) 2024/795 and (EU) 2024/1938 (European Biotech Act).
European Commission
EU-Kazakhstan: Strategic Partnership Reinforced
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Brussels on 23 June 2026, meeting President António Costa (European Council) and President Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission). Leaders reaffirmed cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), particularly on critical raw materials, energy, and emerging technologies aligned with the Global Gateway strategy. The strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor was noted, alongside the signing of the Horizontal Aviation Agreement and completion of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements. Kazakhstan's role as an oil and uranium supplier was recognised, with advances outlined in civil nuclear and renewable energy cooperation. EIB and EBRD agreements support transport connectivity and the development of a national chemical-analytical laboratory for raw materials.
EU-Kazakhstan Meeting Accelerates Critical Raw Materials Cooperation
President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa hosted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan in Brussels. Delegations signed a joint statement and multiple agreements enhancing business, connectivity, and critical raw materials cooperation. The Global Gateway strategy saw expanded investment, including a €150 million EIB loan for Trans-Caspian Corridor infrastructure and plans for a new chemical-analytical laboratory for critical raw materials by EBRD. Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements concluded, and an Air Astana-Airbus aircraft purchase deal was signed. These actions build on the EPCA and last year's EU-Central Asia Summit, aiming at deepened ties in critical raw materials, trade, and investment.
Political Agreement Strengthens Worker Protection from Hazardous Chemicals
The European Commission welcomes a provisional agreement on the sixth revision of Directive 2004/37/EC (Carcinogens, Mutagens, Reprotoxic substances Directive). Clearer rules and new exposure limits are set for cobalt, inorganic cobalt compounds, PAHs, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene, which are used in battery production, steel, chemicals, and rubber, all relevant to mining and raw materials. Transitional periods for adaptation are defined, and welding fumes are newly included in the scope. The revision follows a July 2025 proposal and extensive consultation, and incorporates elements from the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027, Quality Jobs Roadmap, and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1386 on Screening of Foreign Investments: Entry into Force
Regulation (EU) 2026/1386, published in OJ L 2026/1386 (26 June 2026), enters into force with effect from 17 January 2028. This regulation replaces Regulation (EU) 2019/452, establishing harmonised procedures for screening foreign investments, including intra-Union investments, and mandatory screening for sectors such as critical raw materials, energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. The framework introduces coordinated notification, risk assessment, and mitigation measures for supply chain resilience and security. Specific obligations on raw materials are linked to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, and the Regulation addresses concerns raised by the European Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions.
Energy Charter Treaty Agreement: Entry into Force
According to OJ L 2026/1431 (26 June 2026), the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty, signed on 18 February 2026, enters into force on 25 June 2026. The Energy Charter Treaty governs international investments and trade in energy, critical for mining and resource extraction sectors. Full text available at CELEX 32026X1431.
EP Committee Work
ITRE Committee Backs New Measures to Secure Critical Raw Materials Supply
The Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) adopted amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act on 24 June 2026. The proposed law amends the 2024 regulation with clearer processes and introduces price-stabilisation mechanisms (Contracts for Difference), a conditional export-control clause for permanent-magnet waste, and expanded joint-purchasing and strategic stock-piling. The Commission is tasked with implementing strategic project calls, and Member States’ identification of large users shifts to the Commission. MEP Mohammed Chahim (S&D, Netherlands) led the report, which now proceeds to plenary and Council negotiations.
