Madrid Network and Leapman: How will the new EU Critical Raw Materials Law affect Spanish companies?

Madrid Network and Leapman organized a crucial conference in the capital to analyze the impact and opportunities that the new European regulation on critical raw materials (CRMA) presents for Spain's competitiveness and industrial transformation. Experts from the institutional, scientific, and business sectors agreed on the need to streamline procedures, invest in R&D, and establish strategic alliances to reduce external dependence and capitalize on the momentum of the European Union.

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The day "Critical Raw Materials in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for Business"It had the collaboration of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Official College of Mining Engineers of Central Spain (COIMCEThe meeting served as a forum to examine the regulatory framework focused on ensuring access to essential elements such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

Europe Promotes Autonomy Based on Sustainability

Gema Sanz, Director of Institutional Relations at Madrid Network and moderator of the session, emphasized the evolution of European concern about these raw materials: “Although concerns about critical raw materials began more than a decade ago, it was after the pandemic, the energy crisis, and geopolitical tensions that Europe realized it cannot depend on a single supplier.He emphasized that the CRMA, in force since March 2024, not only establishes specific objectives for 2030but it also promotes innovation and accelerates permitting procedures. He emphasized that, unlike other models, “Europe is committed to strategic autonomy based on sustainability e technological innovation. "

For its part, Pedro BalsaLeapman's managing partner described the new regulations as a true Roadmap which goes beyond industrial policy, incorporating practical measures. In his speech, he emphasized that the CRMA includes "incentives, administrative simplification and financing for strategic projects“Furthermore, he pointed out the Spain's potential to attract investment if it manages to align its national strategy with this new European regulatory framework.

Integration into European Networks, a Priority Issue

From the EIT RawMaterials Hub South Europe, Manuel Regueiro He urged Spain to accelerate its integration into the major European networks, despite having sufficient technological and industrial capacityRegueiro emphasized the vitality of the public-private partnershipespecially with institutions like the CSIC, to advance sustainability and reduce dependency.Innovation in exploration, processing, and recycling is key to reducing dependence on foreign resources and advancing sustainability. Public-private collaboration is essential here.“,” he stated.

Alfonso VázquezThe dean-president of COIMCE, focused on the need for streamline bureaucratic processes and improve the social acceptance of mining in Spain. Although the country has important geological resourcesThe slowness of the procedures and a negative perception make it difficult to take advantage of the momentum of CRMA. "If we want to take advantage of the European momentum, we need more streamlined processes, greater transparency, and effective communication with citizens.“,” he declared, emphasizing the role of engineering in safe and efficient mining.

Business Strategy: Anticipation and Technological Investment

At the closing session, the speakers established the three pillars that every company or investor should prioritize to successfully position themselves in the critical raw materials value chain:

Anticipating the new regulatory framework.
Establish strategic alliances at European level.
Invest in technology and innovation from early stages.

Madrid Network reaffirmed its commitment to disseminating applied knowledge and acting as a bridge between companies and administrations, seeking to promote a innovative ecosystem to build a more Europe resilient, competitive and sustainable.