The European Federation of Geologists welcomes the adoption of the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). On 18th March 2024, the Council of the European Union gave its final approval to this new regulation which aims to establish a framework for a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, reducing the EU’s dependency on third countries.
EFG President David Govoni stated after the adoption: “A skilled geological workforce, which is internationally mobile, will be essential for Europe to meet the CRMA objectives. EFG is here to support that. The adoption of the CRMA underscores the crucial role of professional geologists in securing Europe’s access to essential natural resources. By calling for national geological exploration programmes, Strategic Projects, and establishing clear benchmarks and deadlines, this legislation engages geologists to contribute to the continent’s sustainable future.”
The final text which closes the decision-making process identifies two lists of materials (34 critical and 17 strategic) which are essential for the green and digital transitions, as well as for the defence and space industries. The CRMA sets out three targets for the EU’s annual consumption of raw materials:
- 10% from local extraction,
- 40% to be processed within the EU, and
- 25% to be sourced from recycled materials.
To streamline the development of strategic projects, member states will establish single points of contact at the appropriate administrative level and stage in the critical raw materials value chain.
Extraction projects will be granted permits within a maximum period of 27 months, while permits for recycling and processing projects should be issued within 15 months, with limited exceptions designed to ensure meaningful engagement with local communities affected by the projects and thorough environmental impact assessments in complex cases.
The European Federation of Geologists has actively contributed to the consultation process and notably submitted feedback on the proposed text in June 2023. As a not-for-profit organisation instituted to ensure competent and ethical practice among geoscientists in Europe while representing the profession across the continent, EFG, in particular, highlighted that there is currently an insufficient geology talent pool available to meet the targets set forth in the CRMA.
The implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act will require a skilled geological workforce and many countries will rely on the profession’s international mobility to compensate skill shortages. EFG considers that including the profession of Geologist in the list of recognised professions under the Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC) will be a crucial requirement to increase the mobility of geologists.
In addition to this necessary formal recognition of the profession, EFG is supporting the mobility of geologists by certifying competences via the internationally recognised European Geologist title and by establishing the EFG Academy, which will offer Continuing Professional Development.
On the 11th of April, the European Parliament and Council signed the Critical Raw Materials Act into law. The new regulation is expected to enter into force in early May.
