EU Lawmakers Begin Talks on Critical Raw Materials Act
Co-legislators opened discussions on revising the Critical Raw Materials Act as the Commission floats options for a new raw materials centre.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Economic Policy
EU co-legislators began discussions on revising the Critical Raw Materials Act on 4 November. The Commission published a non-paper outlining objectives, operating models and governance options for a proposed Critical Raw Materials Centre.
Why it matters
The EU relies heavily on single suppliers, particularly China, which has increased rare earth export restrictions since 2023. The proposed centre aims to strengthen the bloc's ability to prevent and respond to raw material supply shocks.
Raw materials can cost up to five times more in Europe than in China, according to figures cited in the Commission's proposals. The Commission has put forward four objectives, three operating models and three governance models, but no model has yet been selected.
The players
European Commission
The executive arm of the European Union, responsible for proposing EU legislation and which published the non-paper on the Critical Raw Materials Centre.
Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC)
A Japanese government-affiliated body that secures supplies of metals and energy, whose model the proposed EU centre is intended to follow.
The details
The Commission's non-paper sets out the objectives the centre should meet, suggests governance options and estimates potential costs depending on the model chosen. The centre is intended to operate on the same model as Japan's Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).
Timeline
4 November 2026: Co-legislators begin discussions on revising the Critical Raw Materials Act.
9 December 2026: Co-legislators are scheduled to meet again.
End of 2026: The Commission is expected to present a proposal for a future EU agency.
Roadmap
The revision builds on the Critical Raw Materials Act by proposing a Critical Raw Materials Centre modeled on Japan's JOGMEC. It reflects the EU's effort to reduce dependence on China as Beijing has tightened rare earth export controls since 2023.
Higher raw material costs in Europe can feed into the prices of manufactured goods that consumers buy. A centre designed to buffer supply shocks could help stabilise those costs, though its final structure is still undecided.
The takeaway
Supply security for critical minerals is becoming a policy priority, and the choice of governance model will determine how the EU responds to future shocks. Readers should watch the December meeting for signs of which option advances.
What happens next
The co-legislators will meet again on 9 December 2026, and the Commission is expected to present a proposal for a future EU agency before the end of 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Economic Policy to see how governments shape trade and supply security.
More information
Read the Commission non-paper on Critical Raw Materials Centre for the proposed objectives and governance options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agence Europe.
