This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission selects 46 new Strategic Projects under Critical Raw Materials Act; Séjourné presents next steps; New Q&A clarifies strategic project status; Council adopts CBAM EEA decision.
October 05, 2026 to October 11, 2026
Commission selects 46 new Strategic Projects under Critical Raw Materials Act; Séjourné presents next steps; New Q&A clarifies strategic project status; Council adopts CBAM EEA decision.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
European Commission
Commission selects 46 new Strategic Projects to bolster the EU's supply of critical raw materials
The European Commission announced the selection of 46 new Strategic Projects across 16 Member States to strengthen the EU’s supply of critical raw materials. The projects contribute towards the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) benchmarks for 2030: 10% extraction, 40% processing, and 25% recycling of the EU’s annual consumption. Selected projects span extraction, processing and recycling stages and cover 15 of 17 strategic raw materials, with a focus on value chains for batteries, defence, aerospace, and permanent magnets. The selection process involved assessment against CRMA criteria and consultation with the Critical Raw Materials Board, with the European Parliament as an observer. The Commission highlighted progress on previously selected projects, including environmental assessments and construction permits, and noted over €2 billion mobilised for support under the RESourceEU Action Plan. A new call for applications is expected by the end of 2026.
Opening remarks by Executive Vice-President Séjourné at the press point on the second group of strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act
Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné presented the state of EU policy on critical raw materials, referencing the impact of China’s export restrictions on rare earths announced in October 2025. Séjourné reported that the first wave of 47 strategic projects in the EU is progressing, with 25 completing environmental assessments and 17 obtaining construction permits, facilitated by national Single Points of Contact. Over €2 billion has been mobilised for these projects via the Innovation Fund, State aid, and the European Investment Bank. Séjourné announced the selection of 46 new strategic projects in 16 Member States, bringing the EU portfolio to 93 projects. He described the development of a European value chain from mining to recycling, and outlined plans for an EU Critical Raw Materials Centre and further international partnerships, including with New Caledonia for nickel. Séjourné addressed ongoing challenges, notably market demand and competition, and called for industrial support of European sourcing.
Questions and answers on the Critical Raw Materials strategic projects
The Commission published a detailed Q&A on the status and framework of Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), clarifying their role in enhancing supply security and value chain resilience. Strategic projects are defined by their contribution to diversification, security of supply, technical feasibility, and cross-border EU benefits. The document reiterates the CRMA targets for 2030, confirms that 46 new strategic projects have been selected in this round (in addition to 47 EU projects from March 2025 and 13 in third countries), and notes the €21.1 billion in capital investment required. Benefits for strategic projects include streamlined permitting (27 months for extraction, 15 months for other stages), support in accessing financing, and connections with buyers. The Q&A confirms that EU funding is not automatic but facilitated, and that environmental and governance standards remain prerequisites.
Preparing for a wider Union: Commission adopts package on pre-enlargement policy reviews
The Commission adopted a package of pre-enlargement policy reviews to prepare the EU for future enlargements, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address. The package assesses policy, governance, and budgetary adaptations needed for an expanded Union, proposing sectoral and institutional safeguards for future accession treaties. The reviews address the integration of candidate countries into EU policies ahead of accession, with an emphasis on administrative capacity and safeguarding the rule of law. It also covers budgetary arrangements, including recommendations for Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The Commission invites the European Council and Parliament to advance related discussions and will present indicative roadmaps for candidate countries as part of the 2026 Enlargement package.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2257 of 8 October 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2257 (CELEX: 32026R2257) amends the list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures under Regulation (EU) 2024/2642. The amendments include updates to entries for eight natural persons and the removal of one individual from Annex I. The regulation enters into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal.
Regulation (EU) 2026/2269 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 October 2026 on temporary trade-liberalisation measures applicable to certain products originating in the Republic of Armenia
Regulation (EU) 2026/2269 (CELEX: 32026R2269) introduces temporary trade-liberalisation measures for selected Armenian products, following Russian trade restrictions since May 2026. The measures apply for two years and include suspension of ad valorem duties and tariff quotas, subject to compliance with origin rules and administrative cooperation. Procedures for temporary suspension and safeguards are specified in case of market disruption.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2258 of 8 October 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2258 (CELEX: 32026D2258) renews the restrictive measures against Russia until 9 October 2027, updating Annex I with amendments to eight entries and the removal of one individual. The decision enters into force the day after its publication.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2240 of 24 September 2026 on the position to be adopted, on behalf of the European Union, within the EEA Joint Committee concerning an amendment to Annex XX (Environment) to the EEA Agreement (CBAM)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2240 (CELEX: 32026D2240) approves the Union’s position within the EEA Joint Committee regarding the incorporation of Regulation (EU) 2023/956 and Regulation (EU) 2025/2083 into Annex XX (Environment) of the EEA Agreement. The decision supports alignment of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with EEA relevance.
