The Commission adopted the first list of 13 Strategic Projects on strategic raw materials located outside of the EU, including in overseas countries or territories. The Strategic Projects will diversify the EU's sources of supply and increase economic security. At the same time, the projects are designed to boost local value creation in third countries.

This initiative complements the list of 47 Strategic Projects in the EU, adopted on 25 March 2025. In total, all 60 Strategic Projects will contribute to the competitiveness of EU's industry and in particular sectors such as electro mobility, renewable energy, defence and aerospace. Those projects are the first results of the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act which entered into force in May 2024.