Germany's chancellor praises lithium deal with Serbia that could reduce Europe's dependency on China
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has praised a tentative deal between the European Union and Serbia that paves the way for the disputed excavation of lithium
BELGRADE, Serbia — BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised a tentative deal between Serbia and the European Union signed on Friday that paves the way for the disputed excavation of lithium, a mega project that could reduce Europe's dependency on China but one that has been fiercely criticized by environmentalists and opposition groups.
Scholz attended a “critical raw materials summit” in the Serbian capital where a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Serbia’s government on a “strategic partnership” on sustainable raw materials, battery supply chains and electric vehicles was signed.
He said after the signing ceremony that “this is an important European project,” adding that it's necessary for Europe “to remain sovereign in a changing world and not be dependent on others, which is why new sources of raw materials should be discovered.”
“I’m glad the decision was made,” Scholz said. «I admit, this decision required courage, but it was made at the right moment.”
Germany, the largest carmaker in Europe, is seeking to secure lithium for its electric vehicle makers as the EU struggles to reduce its dependence on imports from China. Lithium is a critical substance in making batteries for electric vehicles
China currently dominates the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries.
“This is a project that is good because it will be developed in an environmentally compatible way, and is good because it creates economic activity and prosperity where world history made it possible to bury raw material in the earth, and we are now extracting it,” Scholz
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