2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Worth_the_wait_The_EUs_latest_Communication_on_Raw_Materials_3页_122kb

Summary of the EU's Latest Communication on Raw Materials

Core Content

The European Commission's second Communication on Raw Materials, delayed for several months, was finally published in February 2011. Originally intended to be a practical follow-up to the 2008 Raw Materials Initiative (RMI), the document instead focuses heavily on the interdependence between financial and commodity markets, largely due to the influence of France's G20 priorities on commodity speculation. This shift has raised concerns about the coherence and focus of the EU's raw materials strategy.

Main Points

• Delayed Publication: The Communication was initially planned for November 2010 but was delayed and eventually released in February 2011, following a last-minute intervention by France.
• Shift in Focus: The document now contains a significant portion on commodity markets, particularly emphasizing food security and energy products, which aligns with the G20 agenda but deviates from the original goal of addressing industrial raw materials.
• Lack of Integration: The two sections of the Communication—on commodity markets and raw materials—are barely integrated, reflecting the rushed nature of its compilation.
• Member State Divisions: There is a lack of consensus among EU member states, especially on whether speculation significantly affects commodity prices. Germany, in particular, has expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of commodity markets in the Communication.
• Need for Coherence: The document highlights the absence of a unified European strategy on raw materials, both within the Commission and among member states. A more integrated and strategic approach is needed.

Key Information

• Inter-departmental Working Group: The Commission should establish a working group involving all relevant DGs, the JRC, and EEAS to ensure a more cohesive strategy. This group could also include the EU Raw Materials Supply Group, a stakeholder platform.
• National Strategies: Several member states, including Germany and Finland, have already developed their own raw materials strategies. This trend could lead to duplication and intra-EU competition.
• Global Cooperation: The EU should explore cooperation with countries like the US and Japan, which have also taken steps to address raw material challenges. A trilateral approach could involve data sharing, supply chain analysis, and joint R&D programs.
• Critical Raw Materials: The Communication does not clearly prioritize critical raw materials, despite the Commission's stated intention. This lack of focus undermines the effectiveness of the strategy.
• Fluid Criticality: The concept of criticality should remain dynamic, as resource importance can change over time and based on different indicators.
• Refining Capacities: The EU's strategy must also address refining and processing capabilities, not just mining. China's dominance in refining rare earths highlights the need for such attention.
• G20 and JODI Initiative: The EU could use the Communication on energy security as a template for a common external strategy. A global initiative based on the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) could enhance transparency and cooperation.

Conclusion

While the Communication acknowledges the importance of raw materials, it fails to provide a clear, focused, and coherent strategy. The inclusion of commodity market discussions, rather than a concentrated effort on critical industrial raw materials, has led to criticism. The EU needs to develop a more strategic, prioritized, and internationally coordinated approach to raw materials to address both short-term and long-term challenges effectively.