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Critical Raw Materials in the Western Balkans

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Decorative image showing a landscape in beige and blue tones with blue layers depicting layers of earth.
KadAzra / Azra Kadić

Critical raw materials are becoming a central pillar of Europe’s green and industrial transition, but their extraction raises complex environmental, social, and governance challenges. Through this workstream, we monitor developments related to critical raw materials across the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on emerging mining projects and their broader political, legal, and societal implications.

Our approach combines evidence-based research with advocacy for a principled and inclusive framework. We aim to ensure that the development of critical raw materials value chains is aligned with rule of law standards, environmental protection, and meaningful participation of affected local communities. We pay particular attention to the risks of exclusion, weak governance, and social tensions that may arise in the context of increased geopolitical and economic interest in the region.

Building on initial country-focused analyses, we are gradually expanding our knowledge base to cover the wider Western Balkans. This includes producing analytical reports, engaging with stakeholders, and integrating findings into strategic communication, advocacy activities, study visits, and public events. Our goal is to contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable approach to critical raw materials governance in Europe.

Publications

Critical raw materials: dispatch from Kosovo

Critical raw materials: dispatch from Kosovo

Gjinolli, Blert | Sarajevo : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Dialogue Southeast Europe, September 2026

Critical raw materials

Critical raw materials

Kovačević, Nataša | Sarajevo : Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Dialouge Southeast Europe, March 2026

dispatch from Montenegro

Critical raw materials

Critical raw materials

Pehchevski, Davor | Sarajevo : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Dialouge Southeast Europe, May 2026

dispatch from North Madeconia

The EU's critical raw materials dilemma in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

The EU's critical raw materials dilemma in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Seebass, Frauke | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2025

taking stock and finding ways forward

Critical raw materials

Critical raw materials

Ibrakovic, Majda | Sarajevo : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, November 2025

dispatch from Bosnia and Herzegovina

There and back again

There and back again

Popović, Mirko ; Vojvodić, Hristina ; Milićeivić, Ivana | Belgrade : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, August 2025

extractive diplomcy, rule of law deterioration and lithium rush in Serbia

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