The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the extractive industries, and EU policymakers to discuss the future of raw materials policy in Europe.
The reception featured contributions from high-level speakers:
- Joan Canton, Head of Unit 'Decarbonisation, Mobility, Raw Materials' at DG GROW, European Commission
- Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, Germany)
- Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, Austria)
The discussion focused on the strategic importance of securing access to raw materials such as gypsum, aggregates, metals, and industrial minerals—resources that are essential for Europe’s construction sector and broader green and digital transitions. The question we posed during the event was therefore: how can Europe ensure a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials to meet both current and future needs?
Key conclusions from the event:
- Access to domestic raw materials is critical: Europe must ensure the availability of key materials found on its own territory to support housing, infrastructure, and clean technologies.
- Recycling alone is not sufficient: While circularity is advancing, the long lifespan of construction products means that recyclable materials become available only gradually. Primary raw materials remain essential to meet current and future demand.
- Raw materials must be integrated into EU policy thinking: Achieving the EU’s environmental, economic, and social objectives requires a strategic approach that places raw materials at the core of policy development.
The event underscored the need for continued, transparent dialogue between industry and policymakers to address challenges and align on solutions for a sustainable and resilient raw materials supply chain in Europe.
