This third episode of Re-thinking Europe delves into a pivotal aspect of the EU’s trade policy: Critical Raw Materials (CRMs).

With Cécile Billaux, Head of the Private Sector, Trade and Investment Unit at DG INTPA, at the European Commission, we discuss the origins, as well as the negative impacts of CRMs' extraction - associated with the EU's increasing resource demand - on people and the environment in resource-rich developing countries. 

To what extent will the EU's new strategic partnerships on CRM benefit local populations and support the green transition and industrialization in partner countries? What is the EU doing to address the life-threatening impacts of mining on indigenous peoples and local communities linked with its increasing demand? How can the EU effectively reduce demand for CRMs while working towards achieving its ambitious climate objectives? 

You will also hear Diego Marin, policy officer for raw materials and resource justice at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), telling us more about his journey. Diego explains the reality of mining activities on the ground and his experience at the Conga Mine, a gold and copper mining project in Cajamarca, Peru. 

Key moments: 

00:22 - Introduction 

02:28 - Diego Marin’s story 

08:15 - Transition 

09:07 - Direct interview with Cécile Billaux 

26:21 – Outro 

Credits and staff 

The producers of Re-thinking Europe are Florence Mabille and Teresa Vallejo, from Europe Jacques Delors. 

The editor of this episode is Futura D’Aprile, from Europod.

The host and narrator of this episode is Gail Rego.

Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet, from Europod.

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