The following message is from the Eurometaux Raw Materials Working Group.

We would like to inform you that the European Commission launched yesterday the second call for applications for the Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act, here.

• Cut-off date : 15 January 2026, 12:00 (noon) (CET)

The instructions for applicants are provided in the online application form. The application will be checked in the following steps :

• Completeness check: Application will be checked for completeness and, where relevant, promoters will be asked for additional information.
• Assessment: The complete applications will be assessed and project assessment reports drawn up.
• Discussion and decision: Based on the assessment reports, the European Critical Raw Material Board will discuss the proposed projects and the Commission will decide on the applications, taking the board’s opinion into account, and notify applicants.

Also important to note, the Commission will organize an online Information session on Tuesday, 9 October 15:00 – 17:00 (CET). You can register here.

In parallel, the European Commission is also looking for experts to be involved in the assessment of the Strategic Projects, with knowledge in raw materials projects across the value chain and in the following 4 areas :

• project technical feasibility
• financial maturity
• ESGs (environmental, social and governance aspects)
• UNFC classification (United Nations Framework Classification for Resources).

Author: Andy Cormack