⚖️🇪🇺 ECA warns of EU delays for critical raw materials

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• AI narrative synopsis: European Court of Auditors report finds licensing and permitting delays (notably Portugal and Finland) are creating bottlenecks for critical raw-material projects such as lithium, threatening EU renewable and industrial supply chains; political responses include calls and proposals (MEPs) for dedicated EU funding to strengthen the Critical Raw Materials Regulation and reduce dependence on third countries.

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• Why it matters: Important report on supply chain risks; high density with multiple articles.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has issued a stark warning regarding the slow and complex licensing processes for critical raw materials projects in the European Union, particularly highlighting Portugal and Finland as significant bottlenecks. In a report published on February 2, 2026, the ECA stated that these delays threaten the EU's ability to secure essential materials needed for its renewable energy transition.

What the report reveals
The ECA's findings indicate that the licensing procedures for mining projects, such as lithium extraction in Portugal's Trás-os-Montes and Alto Minho regions, are not only lengthy but also unpredictable. The report notes that the time required to obtain a mining permit can vary dramatically, ranging from three months to as long as four years in some cases. Legal challenges to granted licenses have also been identified as a significant obstacle.

Impact on renewable energy
The auditors emphasized that the EU's transition to renewable energy is heavily dependent on critical raw materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earths. Currently, most of these materials are sourced from a limited number of countries outside the EU, such as China, Turkey, and Chile. Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, a member of the ECA responsible for the audit, expressed concern over the EU's dangerous dependence on these non-EU sources, stating, "Without critical raw materials, there is no energy transition, competitiveness, or strategic autonomy."

Member States' responses
In response to the ECA's survey, nearly half of the EU Member States cited environmental and social considerations, such as pollution and local opposition, as primary barriers to increasing extraction activities. Additionally, six Member States pointed to insufficient administrative capacities within public sectors as a contributing factor to the delays.

Political responses and future actions
In light of these findings, there are growing calls among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for dedicated EU funding to bolster the Critical Raw Materials Regulation. This initiative aims to reduce the EU's reliance on third countries for essential materials and streamline the licensing process to facilitate quicker project approvals.

The ECA's report serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for reform in the EU's approach to critical raw materials, as delays in project approvals could jeopardize the bloc's energy security and its broader climate goals.