**Viotia**: Stephane Sejourne, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, highlights Greece’s role in securing the EU’s self-sufficiency in critical materials. His visit addresses mining, environmental concerns, and ambitious targets to ensure sustainable supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.
On March 27, 2025, Stephane Sejourne, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, visited Metlen Energy & Metals’ aluminium plant located in Viotia, central Greece. This visit comes in the wake of the European Commission’s ambitious framework aimed at securing the continent’s self-sufficiency in critical raw materials such as gallium, which is essential for technologies including solar panels.
During his trip, Sejourne highlighted Greece’s pivotal role in addressing the European Union’s demand for gallium. Speaking to Kathimerini, he affirmed that local communities must be included in the dialogue surrounding mining operations, particularly to alleviate concerns regarding environmental impacts. He emphasised the need for Europe to reduce its dependency on external sources for critical materials, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Sejourne pointed out that Greece is participating in one of 46 strategic projects throughout Europe that are designed to reduce reliance on non-EU sources for essential materials such as aluminium, lithium, cobalt, and copper. It is anticipated that Greece’s project could contribute up to 10% of the EU’s aluminium requirements and might satisfy the entire gallium demand. As such, it is set to receive expedited administrative processing and significant financial support from the EU.
The geology of Greece positions it favourably in terms of potential mineral resources, prompting Sejourne to discuss with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the feasibility of additional projects. “We can probably have more projects,” he stated, underscoring Greece’s geological advantages and business acumen. He also expressed hope that new project calls later this year would attract further Greek initiatives to enhance Europe’s mineral self-sufficiency.
Addressing local resistance to mining, which has often revolved around environmental concerns, Sejourne reassured that the EU offers some of the most environmentally conscious conditions for mining globally. He stressed the importance of engaging local communities, as EU legislation mandates such interactions, ensuring that local populations are part of the discussions regarding mining impacts.
Moreover, Sejourne indicated that the demand for critical materials is unwavering. He noted that materials like gallium are indispensable for various technologies, including solar energy generation, and expressed a commitment to ensuring European citizens do not face shortages. “If we don’t do it in Europe, it will be done in catastrophic conditions elsewhere by countries that could at any moment stop sending what we need,” he remarked.
The conversation also touched on implications of geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning the United States’ interest in exploiting mineral resources in regions like Ukraine and Greenland. Sejourne noted that Europe’s strategy for securing critical materials began well before recent US assertions and stated an ongoing collaboration with Ukrainian authorities under a memorandum of understanding established prior to the war in Ukraine.
Looking ahead, Sejourne underscored ambitious targets for 2030, suggesting that by then, the EU aims to reduce its dependency on non-EU nations for critical raw materials to no more than 65%, while also increasing domestic extraction and recycling rates. He acknowledged the challenges posed by shifting global dynamics but remained optimistic about achieving the EU’s goals for materials independence.
Sejourne also discussed the importance of defending Europe’s interests in the context of potential trade conflicts, particularly with the United States. “We are doing everything that we can to continue our dialogue with the US administration,” he stated. He articulated a vision of a “little intellectual revolution” in Europe that prioritises local procurement and strengthens the EU’s economic influence.
Additionally, he addressed ongoing critiques about European competitiveness, as voiced by prominent figures such as former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. According to Sejourne, recommendations from the Draghi report are being put into action swiftly, with steps being taken to simplify regulations and enhance the business environment in Europe.
In conclusion, the visit by Sejourne not only highlights Greece’s strategic importance in the EU’s raw materials strategy but also underscores the broader ambitions of the European Commission to develop a more self-sufficient and resilient economic framework amid evolving global challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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