On 14 September, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) was adopted in Plenary with 515 votes in favor, 34 against and 28 abstentions. MEP Nicola Beer's report underwent a few changes until the final vote.
The EPP Group managed to get their amendment adopted on including aluminium to the list of strategic raw materials. Moreover, they incorporated strategic secondary raw materials (i.e., transformed waste) into the text. The Commission will now have to submit a list of secondary strategic materials within 6 months of the adoption of the regulation.
The Green Group's amendment on including additional additional environmental and human rights criteria for strategic projects was also adopted.
MEPs also insisted on the need to cut red tape for companies, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Parliament will now enter into negotiations with the Spanish Presidency of the Council in order to reach an agreement by Christmas 2023.
Access the adopted report here.