EU-Serbia Raw Materials Agreement Aims to Reduce Dependence on China, Says Economic Affairs Secretary

State Secretary for Economic Affairs Franziska Brantner has highlighted the significance of the forthcoming agreement between the European Union and Serbia on raw material supplies, calling it a vital move toward reducing European reliance on China. "The memorandum of understanding with Serbia is a crucial step in utilizing European deposits in a European manner and decreasing dependency on China," Brantner told Reuters on Thursday. She emphasized that Serbia's lithium deposit could play a key role in this strategy. Brantner also pointed out the potential of other deposits in Germany and the Czech Republic to contribute to this effort.

Brantner commended Rio Tinto for enhancing its environmental planning for a lithium mine in Serbia, in response to civil society pressure. "Raw material extraction inevitably impacts nature, but Rio Tinto has made significant improvements, which is positive," she stated, addressing protests by Serbian environmentalists. She underscored the need for mining to minimize environmental impact and allow for possible renaturation. "By doing this, we can demonstrate to the world that raw material extraction can be more environmentally friendly, showcasing the efforts of our European companies." Brantner also stressed the importance of promoting recycling to reduce the need for extraction.

The Serbian government recently reissued a license for Rio Tinto's lithium mining project, which had been temporarily revoked in 2022. Two memoranda of understanding are scheduled to be signed in Belgrade on Friday. One pertains to a raw materials agreement between the EU and Serbia, an EU accession candidate. The second involves a declaration of intent with automotive companies such as Mercedes and Stellantis to establish a lithium-processing industry in Serbia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Brantner will be present for the signing.

Brantner also commented on the global shift towards electric mobility. "The ongoing debate over fossil fuel combustion engines creates uncertainty for citizens and companies, which is detrimental," she noted. "This is why lithium in Serbia remains of interest, but it is ultimately up to the companies to decide where to source their raw materials."