EU Parliamentary Committee Adopts Measures to Boost Supply of Strategic Raw Materials

The European Parliament's Industry Committee has adopted measures to increase the supply of strategic raw materials. The moves are meant to "cut red tape, promote innovation along the entire value chain, support [small and medium-sized enterprises] and boost research and development of alternative materials and more environmentally-friendly mining as well as production methods," the parliament announced. The committee noted the importance of establishing partnerships with third countries on strategic raw materials to diversify the bloc's supply, the parliament said. The measures also urge a greater focus on "research and innovation concerning substitute materials." The draft will be put to a vote by the full House during the Sept. 11-14 plenary session.