The European Union has signed an agreement with Serbia to promote the development of lithium supply chains. This cooperation is part of the EU’s strategy to develop raw material partnerships and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The agreement gives the EU access to raw materials mined in Serbia. The aim is to strengthen the production of sustainable raw materials, battery manufacturing and electric mobility. Under the agreement, the EU and Serbia will develop a roadmap by the end of the year to promote research and training in lithium technology.
Controversy and Environmental Concerns
In Serbia, there has been fierce debate over the rights to lithium mining and its environmental impact. In 2022, protests forced mining company Rio Tinto to stop mining. Now the ban has been overturned as unconstitutional and Rio Tinto has regained its license to develop Europe’s largest lithium mine in the western region of Jadar. Rio Tinto has announced that future projects will meet strict environmental requirements.
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/serbia-eu-germany-sign-battery-supply-chain-deal-2024-07-19/
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-serbia-sign-lithium-deal-as-global-clean-tech-race-speeds-up/a-69716905
