In response to the ever growing competition over the access to raw materials, which has been exacerbated in recent years by the economic growth of China, Brazil and India, the European Union (EU) presented a first version of “The raw materials initiative – meeting our critical needs for growth and jobs in Europe (RMI)” in 2008. The reviewed version, published in February 2011, points out three priorities in the endeavour to secure and improve the raw material supply for Europe’s industry: (1) ensuring a level playing field in access to resources in third countries, (2) fostering sustainable supply from European sources and (3) encouraging resource efficiency and recycling. As a part of the “Europe 2020 Strategy”, the RMI is closely linked to the “flagship initiative for a resource efficient Europe” promoting structural and technological changes towards a low carbon industry and a resource efficient and climate resilient economy by 2050. The RMI may represent a first step for Europe to less resource dependency, but the question arises as to whether it also appropriately addresses climate challenges and provides a basis for a resource efficient and responsible environmental policy: How could this be monitored and measured? Is there a win-win strategy to secure raw materials supply in Europe?
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