On 29 June, the European Commission published its annual Strategic Foresight Report, which presents a forward-looking strategic reflection on the interactions between the green and digital transitions in the new geopolitical context. Based on their analysis, this Communication identifies ten key areas where action will be needed.:
Strengthening resilience and open strategic autonomy
Stepping up green and digital diplomacy
Strategically managing supply of critical materials and commodities
Strengthening economic and social cohesion
Adapting education and training systems
Mobilising additional future-proof investment into new technologies and infrastructures
Developing monitoring frameworks for measuring wellbeing beyond GDP
Ensuring a future-proof regulatory framework for the Single Market, conducive to sustainable business models and consumer patterns
Stepping up a global approach to standard-setting and sustainability
Promoting robust cybersecurity and secure data sharing framework
As seen above, strategically managing supply of critical materials and commodities is mentioned as a paramount task to achieve the twin transitions.
According to the Commission, developing domestic capacities and diversifying sources of supply along the value chain will be instrumental to significantly reduce the existing strategic dependencies and avert the risk of replacing them with new ones, especially in the area of critical raw materials, which requires a long-term and systemic approach. Key actions include:
Monitoring global commodities markets
Stockpiling and joint procurement options
Enhancing partnerships with mineral-rich countries
Streamlining and fast-tracking permitting procedures
Create a market for secondary raw materials by introducing collection, recycling efficiency and recycled content targets
Mobilise investment agreements
The Commission will continue to advance its Strategic Foresight Agenda, while informing the Commission Work Programme initiatives for next year.
To access the report, click here.