European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA)
The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) aims to make Europe economically more resilient by diversifying its supply chains, creating jobs, attracting investments to the raw materials value chain, fostering innovation, training young talents and contributing to the best enabling framework for raw materials and the Circular Economy worldwide.
The Alliance addresses the challenge of securing access to sustainable raw materials, advanced materials, and industrial processing know-how. By 2030, ERMA’s activities will increase the production of raw and advanced materials and address Circular Economy by boosting the recovery and recycling of Critical Raw Materials.
The European Alliance on Raw Materials will mobilise industrial and innovation actors, Member States, regions, the EIB, investors and civil society – to help build our capacities and investment cases along the entire value chain, from extraction to processing and recycling
Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) aims to:
- Bolster the creation of environmentally sustainable and socially equitable innovations and infrastructure
- Implement a Circular Economy of complex products like electric vehicles, clean tech, and hydrogen equipment
- Support Europe’s raw materials industry capability, to extract, design, manufacture and recycle materials
- Promote innovation, strategic investment, and industrial production across specific value chains
The Alliance will accelerate the green and digital transition by reinforcing value chains, diversifying supplies and involving all willing partners in implementing the necessary actions.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market
EIT RawMaterials to manage the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA)
On 29 September, the European Commission, represented by Vice President Šefčovič and Commissioner Breton with the presence of other EU Institutions, national Ministers, industry, unions and civil society organisations as well as key industry stakeholders launched the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA).
EIT RawMaterials, mandated by the European Commission, manages the stakeholder consultation process across the entire raw materials value chain, working with an innovation project-driven community, which brings together more than 150 industrial and non-industrial actors with the common objective of securing the supply of sustainable raw and advanced materials for industrial ecosystems in order to build Europe’s resilience and competitiveness.
With the European Raw Materials Alliance, we have a true European answer based on the knowledge and expertise of more than 150 stakeholders. Together we can turn Europe’s raw material dependency into a major strategic strength for our continent, while continually applying the highest environmental and social standards.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO of EIT RawMaterials
Action Lines / Workstreams
Ensuring a reliable, secure and sustainable access to raw materials
ERMA is an open and inclusive alliance that provides an open and independent forum for discussion and analysis, as well as a mechanism for translating potential projects into actual activities and infrastructures that will contribute to creating long-lasting added value and jobs for Europe.
ERMA will identify barriers, opportunities and investment cases to build capacity at all stages of the raw materials value chain, from mining to waste recovery. It complies with EU competition rules and EU international trade commitments.
ERMA objectives will be achieved through two major workstreams.
Value chain-specific consultation processes:
- Identify and respond to raw material challenges along industrial ecosystems and within the wider society
- Provide tailored solutions to industry needs
- Unlock regulatory bottlenecks
- Promote stakeholders’ strong engagement and commitment through an open process
Investment channel for raw materials projects:
- Select and prioritize cases to secure primary and secondary raw materials supply for European industrial ecosystems
- Install Raw Materials Investment Platform (RMIP) to bring investors and investees together
- Define case-specific financing strategies and mechanisms
- Assess EU funding opportunities and financing sources for investment opportunities inside and outside Europe
Both workstreams are implemented through clusters dedicated to the specific value chains. The first two clusters focus on Rare Earth Magnets & Motors and Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion.
Ensuring access to the raw materials for the European Green Deal: A European Call for Action
Securing a sustainable supply of rare earths for a carbon-neutral future of Europe
On 30 September 2021, the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) released its Action Plan to secure access to Rare Earth Elements for European industry. Entitled Rare Earth Magnets and Motors: A European Call for Action, the report outlines current and projected European demand for Rare Earth Elements and steps which should be taken to secure their supply.
The demand for high energy density rare earth permanent magnets is growing exponentially. They are vital for applications like wind power, electric mobility, and communications technology, making their supply crucial to the European Union’s stated ambition to transition to a green, digital economy. While the EU is a world leader in the manufacturing of electric motors, it is almost fully import dependent regarding rare earth permanent magnets, more than 90% of which are produced in China.