Samenvatting

The transition to a low-carbon economy is driving demand for critical raw materials (CRMs), such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, that are essential for clean
technologies. The EU's limited domestic capacity in mining and processing has created strong dependencies and supply risks due to geopolitical tensions and market instability. In response, the EU adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act in 2024 to boost domestic extraction, processing, and recycling. Romania has critical resources and raw materials that it can exploit both in the context of the energy transition and the broader context of the demand generated by global economic development. We analyzed the 47 strategic projects approved by the EU to boost domestic capacities of strategic raw materials, 3 of which will be developed in Romania: copper extraction at Rovina, metallic magnesium extraction at Budureasa, and graphite extraction at Baia de Fier. Inclusion on the list means that the projects will benefit from support in attracting funding and streamlined approval processes, allowing them to be completed as quickly as possible. However, implementation faces several obstacles, including public opposition to mining and limitations on recycling. In addition, we emphasize that sustainable economic development stems from processing these resources and manufacturing value-added products, rather than merely exploiting and selling them.