RAW DEAL?

The EU Raw Materials Initiative (RMI), which was launched in 2008, is briefly discussed. The RMI is an integrated strategy in response to the different challenges related to access to non-energy raw materials. The strategy is based on three pillars: ensuring sustainable supply of raw materials from international markets to EU industry under the same conditions as other third country industrial competitors; setting the right framework conditions within the EU in order to foster sustainable supply of raw materials from European sources; boosting overall resource efficiency and promoting recycling to reduce the EU's consumption of primary raw materials. The 14 most critical raw materials (those in short supply, particularly in terms of the geopolitical-economic framework affecting supply and demand), the industries that will be hit the hardest, steps being taken to alleviate the situation, the practice and benefits of recycling, and access to raw materials on global markets are considered.