Materials that suddenly become “critical” when Europe discovers it needs them for its green and digital transitions. Officially, they are essential inputs for strategic industries and clean technologies. Unofficially, they are the reason development cooperation has taken a sudden and passionate interest in the mining sectors of partner countries.  

Features include: 

• Lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths upgraded from commodities to geopolitical priorities 
• Resource extraction disguised as a development partnership 
• Local value addition discussed enthusiastically, usually after the extraction contracts 
• Strategic autonomy for Europe, development opportunities for everyone else. 

Example: 

“The EU’s new partnership aims to support sustainable development while ensuring secure access to critical raw materials.” 

Translation: 

“We need your minerals, but this time we’ll call it a win-win”