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The European Commission scheduled for March 25 the declaration of the first batch of strategic projects under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act. Rio Tinto has submitted its controversial Jadar project, for a lithium mine and processing plant in Serbia.

In addition, the administration in Brussels said it would extend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to certain downstream steel and aluminum products, also within the package of measures to decarbonize and safeguard metals production.

Presenting the new Action Plan on Steel and Metals, the European Commission’s Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné, in charge of prosperity and industrial strategy, vowed to secure the supply of essential raw materials. He revealed that on March 25 he would identify the first group of strategic projects facilitated through the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).

The legislation was much criticized before it was adopted a year ago. One of the candidates is Rio Tinto’s disputed Jadar project in Serbia. The mining giant is planning underground exploitation of lithium and the construction of a processing facility. The area, near the city of Loznica in the country’s west, is populated and dependent on agriculture.

The CRMA legislation enables strategic partnerships centered on projects for raw materials in third countries, such as Serbia

The controversy over the investment has prompted some of the most massive and widespread protests, held in several waves since 2021. Balkan Green Energy News has a chronological overview of the key events in the development of the Jadar project since 2001, when Rio Tinto arrived in Serbia.

Serbia and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding in Belgrade last year for a strategic partnership in sustainable raw materials, battery value chains and electric vehicles.

Séjourné announced that he would present “dozens of critical raw materials projects.” However, he highlighted only aluminum, copper, nickel and “many steel alloying elements,” without mentioning lithium. The administration in Brussels said it would streamline permitting and simplify access to public funding for strategic projects for raw materials, at home and in third countries.

EU to help metal exports competitiveness

The European Union outlined the measures in the face of tariffs imposed by the United States and much higher energy prices than across the Atlantic and in China. The changes would include incentives for decarbonization and quotas for domestic green steel in public procurement and for recycling.

One of the main tools is the Carbon Border Adjustment System or CBAM, which is undergoing a review. The EU has increased its ambition for reform, according to Séjourné.

The steel and metals industry in the EU is facing a serious crisis and trade tensions have not helped matters, Séjourné acknowledged

“By the end of the year, we will be presenting measures to reinforce CBAM’s action. These will operate in three directions: exports, anti-circumvention measures, and the extension of the products concerned. Our producers cannot be the most virtuous and the most penalized on the international market. Finally, we’ll also be looking at modifying the rules of origin to prevent foreign steel from undergoing a simple minor transformation in Europe, and then being sold as a European product,” the top industrial policy official stated.

The European Commission stressed that it would table the first legislative proposal amending CBAM by the end of the year to extend its scope to certain steel and aluminum-intensive downstream products.

Incentives to use nuclear power in hydrogen production

The steel and metals industry in the EU is facing a serious crisis, between an explosion in electricity prices and global overcapacity, Séjourné acknowledged, adding that “trade tensions have not helped matters.” The action plan involves spurring massive investments in hydrogen.

Support is underway for low-carbon hydrogen, “particularly in conjunction with nuclear power,” the European Commission’s vice president said. The EU has until now refrained from subsidizing nuclear energy projects. However, it is preparing a package for the development of the technology for small modular reactors (SMRs) and scientific research.

Electrolyzers powered by nuclear plants produce so-called pink hydrogen. Another low-carbon version is blue hydrogen, made directly from methane – fossil gas, but with the carbon dioxide emissions captured and (permanently) stored. Green hydrogen is the one from water electrolyzed using renewable electricity.

International Day of Forests is celebrated worldwide on March 21. The initiative to establish it was approved in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation for the future of our planet. This year, special emphasis is placed on their role in ensuring food security.

This year’s theme for the International Day of Forests is Forests and Food, as more than five billion people rely on forest products for nutrition, medicinal needs, and livelihoods.

Forest ecosystems are a rich source of nuts, fruits, seeds, roots, leaves, honey, wild meat, and insects, providing essential nutrients. Wild meat is an important source of protein for indigenous peoples and rural communities, especially in tropical areas. More than 3,200 species of wild animals are used for food.

Beyond food, forests are an essential source of energy, providing fuelwood for cooking. It is a common energy source in rural households, enabling meal preparation for nearly two billion people.

Forests contribute to agriculture by providing habitats for pollinators, helping maintain soil health, retaining water, supplying food and shade for livestock, regulating temperature, and acting as natural windbreaks for crops.

Forests contribute to food security and diversify income sources during crises

They are also crucial for food security and diversifying essential income sources when crop yields fail or during armed conflicts, keeping communities alive when regular food sources become unavailable. In crisis situations, forests serve as an economic and nutritional safety net, providing up to 20% of household income in rural areas.

Forest watersheds supply fresh water to over 85% of the world’s largest cities.

Forests are not only a source of food and energy but also a key factor in combating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and preserve natural resources. Their protection and sustainable management are essential for the wellbeing of the planet and future generations.

Despite their immense importance, these ecosystems are under threat. Unfortunately, deforestation and degradation worldwide endanger their survival. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually due to deforestation, while around 70 million hectares are affected by fires.

The United Nations urges countries to take action at local, national, and international levels to protect and restore forests. Activities such as tree planting, art exhibitions, photo contests, and educational campaigns help raise awareness of their importance. Individuals can also contribute through simple actions such as recycling, reducing paper and plastic consumption, and planting trees and plants in their communities.

After the Fiat Grande Panda electric car, the Citroën e-C3 will also be manufactured at the Stellantis factory in Kragujevac.

In July last year, Stellantis launched a trial production of its electric Fiat Grande Panda in Kragujevac. Local media reported that the company would begin manufacturing Citroën C3 this year.

Saša Đorđević, president of the Kragujevac branch of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (SSSS), said Citroën e-C3 would be produced in cooperation with the Stellantis factory in the Slovak city of Trnava. It is the primary site for the model.

The factory in Kragujevac makes many parts for the facility in Slovakia

In his words, the Kragujevac factory already produces many parts for the facility in Slovakia.

The Fiat Grande Panda and e-C3 share the same platform, Đorđević added. According to him, it is good news for the employees in Kragujevac as more capacity would be utilized.

And the good news for potential buyers of electric cars in Serbia is that the e-C3 will also be subsidized with EUR 5,000 apiece.

Electrification will now be much closer for everyone thinking about buying an electric car

Zoran Burić, marketing director at Avtonova KAB, the Serbian importer of the Citroën brand, said the electric version of the e-C3 model would be sold for EUR 26,490, or EUR 21.490 when the government’s subsidy is calculated in. Of note, the Fiat Grande Panda with a state subsidy should cost EUR 18,000 per unit.

Citroen e-C3 will be a domestic car in a way, Burić argued. He expressed the belief electrification will be much closer for everyone thinking about buying such a vehicle. The price of the C3 gasoline model is EUR 14,990.

The electric model with a 44 kWh battery offers a range of up to 326 kilometers.

Subsidies range from EUR 250 to EUR 5,000

In late January, the Government of Serbia adopted a decree on the subsidies for electric vehicles for 2025.

The applications are received until October 31 by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The subsidies are part of a package of measures to improve air quality, the government said.

Serbia earmarked RSD 170 million for the measure this year. Depending on the type of vehicle, subsidies range from EUR 250 to EUR 5,000. In the previous five years, subsidies were paid for the purchase of more than 2,800 electric and hybrid vehicles.

The Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX) is registering entities interested in participating in a market for guarantees of origin. There is no kickoff date yet for the platform, which the market operator will jointly run with the country’s Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA).

After several years of preparations, the Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX) is launching a platform for trading guarantees of origin of electricity. In particular, such certificates are issued by renewable energy producers. Consumers buy them to prove their progress in decarbonization.

IBEX, solely owned by the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE), and the Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA) of Bulgaria are authorized to jointly operate the organized market for guarantees of origin or GOs. The legal framework envisages issuing the certificates monthly, quarterly and semianually.

Registration for participants began on March 31. Trading will be carried out via an electronic platform, though there is no kickoff date yet.

When SEDA integrates with the European guarantees of origin system, the participants in the Bulgarian platform will be able to trade abroad as well

The exchange said the participants would benefit from standardized rules and procedures, guaranteed delivery and payments, and transparency in pricing and publication of trading data. The move is part of the efforts to develop a liberalized electricity market, in line with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001 (RED 2), the update adds.

One GO covers 1 MWh of electricity production or consumption. When SEDA achieves integration with the European guarantees of origin system, the participants in the Bulgarian platform will be able to trade abroad as well.

IBEX, founded in 2014, operates day-ahead and intraday markets and a mechanism for bilateral contracts.

Also of note, Greece and Bulgaria are starting to trade balancing energy within the Platform for the International Coordination of Automated Frequency Restoration and Stable System Operation (PICASSO).

A North Dakota state court in Morton county found Greenpeace liable for more than USD 660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, which controls the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The environmentalist network, now facing bankruptcy, said it would appeal and that the ruling is part of a renewed push by corporations to weaponize courts to silence dissent.

Free speech and the right to protest are on the line in the United States, according to Greenpeace. A court in Morton county, North Dakota, reached a verdict in Energy Transfer’s lawsuit against the organization’s entities in the US – Greenpeace Inc. and Greenpeace Fund – and Greenpeace International.

It found them liable for more than USD 660 million for defamation, trespassing and other accounts, including even civil conspiracy. The company controls and operates the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which was put into operation in 2017.

Greenpeace said it would appeal. Energy Transfer brought a “meritless SLAPP.” it added. The acronym stands for “strategic lawsuit against public participation.”

The ruling is part of a renewed push by corporations to weaponize courts to silence dissent, according to the global environmentalist network.

Reckless behavior putting fossil fuel profits over public health, livable planet

The underground pipeline, also called Bakken, runs to Illinois. The suit concerned Greenpeace’s role in protests held in 2016 and 2017.

“We are witnessing a disastrous return to the reckless behaviour that fuelled the climate crisis, deepened environmental racism and put fossil fuel profits over public health and a liveable planet. The previous Trump administration spent four years dismantling protections for clean air, water and Indigenous sovereignty, and now along with its allies wants to finish the job by silencing protest. We will not back down. We will not be silenced,” said Greenpeace International’s Executive Director Mads Christensen.

Christensen: The previous Trump administration spent four years dismantling protections for clean air, water and Indigenous sovereignty, and now along with its allies wants to finish the job by silencing protest

The case should alarm everyone, no matter their political inclinations, according to the interim head of the two US branches Sushma Raman.

“We should all be concerned about the future of the First Amendment, and lawsuits like this aimed at destroying our rights to peaceful protest and free speech. These rights are critical for any work toward ensuring justice – and that’s why we will continue fighting back together, in solidarity,” she stressed.

Countersuit filed in Netherlands

Energy Transfer’s lawsuits are clear-cut examples of SLAPPs — attempting to bury nonprofits and activists in legal fees, push them towards bankruptcy and ultimately silence dissent, the group warned.

The company first turned to a federal court, which dismissed the case.

In February 2024, Greenpeace International initiated the first test of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive by filing a lawsuit in Dutch court against the same company.

IEN: Energy Transfer couldn’t defeat Indigenous movement, so it went after Greenpeace instead

In the US trial, the organization said it only helped the protest through training for nonviolent direct action. It argued that the events were led by local leaders of Indigenous peoples.

Following the ruling, the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) attributed the opposition to the pipeline project to environmental concerns issues and Indigenous rights violations. The verdict sets a troubling precedent for grassroots and Indigenous resistance movements, it added.

IEN’s Program Director Kandi White claims the courtroom was not a place for truth

“This trial was nothing short of a farce – an unfair process with a biased jury and a judge who was out of his league, the 14th one assigned after the rest had to recuse themselves. Almost every time Greenpeace raised an objection, it was overruled, while Energy Transfer’s witnesses were allowed to ramble far beyond the scope of the case. It was clear from the start that this courtroom was not a place for truth. The truth is that Indigenous peoples organized a movement that sparked nations to rise up and defend Mother Earth. And because ET couldn’t defeat us, they went after Greenpeace instead – an organization that proved in court that their involvement had nothing to do with the power of that movement,” IEN’s Program Director Kandi White said.

Energy Transfer intentionally desecrated sacred sites and its pipeline has already leaked at least five times, she added.

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić said in Brussels that the European Commission would award “in seven or eight days” a strategic status to Rio Tinto’s Jadar project in Serbia for mining and processing a lithium ore. Marš sa Drine, together with a number of other environmentalist groups in Europe, stressed they would contest such a designation as well as several projects that were just approved in the European Union. They include proposals for lithium mines in Portugal and Spain and the Rovina copper and gold mine in Romania.

The European Commission has approved the first 47 strategic projects in EU territory yesterday, for the production of critically important raw materials. Most are used for manufacturing batteries. According to the announcement, “the decision on the potential selection” of proposals for facilities in third countries “will be adopted at a later stage.” The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) stipulates that such strategic projects are eligible for administrative and financial support.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is convinced that “in seven or eight days” the EU would declare that the Jadar lithium project in his country’s west is strategic. He made the claim the same evening in Brussels, where he met with the bloc’s top officials. The proposal is for Rio Tinto’s underground mine and processing unit near the city of Loznica, including mining waste dumps.

The controversies around project Jadar, centered around a unique mineral called jadarite, have sparked several waves of massive protests since 2021. Balkan Green Energy News has a chronological overview of the most important events since 2001, when Rio Tinto established a subsidiary in Serbia.

Novaković: We are no playground for mining mafia

Together with nongovernmental organizations and community associations from Romania, Germany, Spain and Portugal, the Marš sa Drine group from Serbia reacted to the European Commission’s decision, and later also to Vučić’s statement. They said they would legally challenge the strategic status designation for disputed mining projects. Locals and environmentalists alike have long contested them, the note reads.

They highlighted Jadar, lithium mines Mina do Barroso and Mina do Romano in Portugal and Mina Doade and Mina Las Navas in Spain as well as the plan for the Rovina copper and gold mine in Romania.

Environmentalist groups have hired lawyers to legally dispute the designation of several mining projects as strategic

“We are not a playground for the mining mafia. Our lawyers in Europe are completing legal complaints for annulling this decision. Rio Tinto has shown disregard for the rule of law in Serbia,” said Bojana Novaković from Marš sa Drine. She accused the EU of supporting environmental destruction and corruption because of lithium. Marš sa Drine is part of the Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia (SEOS).

Extraction of cheap raw materials for the automotive industry in Germany and elsewhere jeopardizes the way of life of people in the area of Covas do Barroso in north Portugal, local activist Nelson Gomes said.

“We, who live from sustainable livestock farming and depend on clean rivers and green pastures, would only experience disadvantages. The proposal is far from a just transition – mining in Portugal does not abide by the rules and the authorities do nothing,” he underscored.

The Rovina gold-copper open cast mine will destroy pristine nature and displace communities and the European Commission’s designation legitimizes a project deemed illegal by courts in Romania, activist Roxana Pencea Brădățan pointed out.

Lithium mining on both sides of German-Czech border

The environmentalists also listed the Zinnvald lithium mining project in Germany, even though it hasn’t (yet) been labeled strategic. Notably, the location is in the same area as the Cínovec strategic litium mining project, right across the border in the Czech Republic.

“The cumulative impact of these two large mines on protected sites and on adjacent villages and towns is not being considered. From our region’s past, we know that the larger the mines, the greater the harm. We will not allow this again,“ said Anja Weber, a local from Bärenstein, near the Zinnvald site.

Amid tightening geopolitical pressure, the EU strives to unlock partnerships with third countries for minerals and to bolster the domestic mining of metals for the energy transition, according to the document, signed by Marš sa Drine, Bürgerinitiative Bärenstein, MiningWatch Romania, MiningWatch Portugal and Iberian Mining Observatory.

CRMA enables overriding public interest, they added. Activists and affected communities have been warning since the act’s drafting of its incompatibility with, for instance, the EU’s Habitats Directive, the Water Framework Directive and the Birds Directive.