Lucía Bárcena Coordinadora de proyectos

In late 2019, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched the European Green Deal, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan seeks to establish a leading green technology industry by securing critical raw materials (CRMs) necessary for green technologies. However, concerns arise that the EU’s green agenda might mask the sourcing of CRMs for carbon-intensive and military purposes. This briefing reveals niobium’s supply chain, primarily serving the automotive, aerospace, and arms industries, questioning whether the Green Deal’s goals are compromised. Are we truly advancing green technology, or inadvertently fueling traditional industries?

While the EU is committed to net-zero emissions, the prevailing approach hinges on maintaining capitalist expansion, raising questions about the viability of a true green transition. The endeavor faces complexities, notably in the context of global competition and the imperative to secure essential raw materials, emphasizing extractive production models.