Commission launches second call for strategic projects to secure critical raw materials supply

Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné today announced the launch of the second call for strategic projects to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for European industry.

The announcement was made from Kiruna, Sweden, and builds on the success of the first call, which selected 60 strategic projects.

The cut-off date for submissions is 15 January 2026, 12:00 (noon) CET. A dedicated online information session for interested promoters will be held on 9 October. Additional information is available on the strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act website.

These strategic projects advance the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act, strengthening the EU's resilience by securing raw materials that are key for the green and digital transitions. They boost domestic production, diversify supply, and deepen mutually beneficial partnerships. To qualify, projects must meaningfully enhance supply security, be technically feasible, and ensure sustainable implementation. Selected projects benefit from faster permitting, as well as facilitated access to finance and offtakes. The Commission works closely with Member States and financial institutions to make these benefits a reality.

Executive Vice-President Séjourné said: "With our first wave of strategic projects, the EU has shown the potential of boosting domestic extraction, refining, processing, and recycling within the EU, and of cooperating with partner countries, to reduce dependencies, strengthen economic security, and diversify supply. It is another key step towards European sovereignty. I now invite project promoters to submit more projects for all 17 strategic raw materials."