Report on the implementation of the Raw Materials Initiative

In the 2008 Communication The Raw Materials Initiative: meeting our critical needs for growth and jobs in Europe and the 2011 Communication Tackling the challenges in commodity markets and on raw materials, the Commission recognized that securing reliable and undistorted access to raw materials is an important factor for the EU's competitiveness. The Communications respectively launched and reinforced the Raw Materials Initiative, an integrated strategy aimed at responding to different challenges related to access to non-energy and non-agricultural raw materials.

The Raw Materials Initiative is based on three pillars:
(1) ensuring a level-playing field in access to resources in third countries;
(2) fostering a sustainable supply of raw materials from European sources; and
(3) boosting resource efficiency and recycling.

The aim of this report is to present the current state of play with respect to the implementation of the Raw Materials Initiative and provide an overview of the ongoing initiatives, while highlighting the joint interest for the EU and third countries rich in raw materials to work in partnership.