Strategic Status for Serbian Lithium Project Undermines Democracy and Trust in the EU

Today, the European Union published its second list of mining, processing, and recycling projects. The 13 new Strategic Projects are outside the EU. They are deemed strategic under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, aimed at securing vital resources for digitalization, defense, the green transition, construction, and the automotive industry.

Among the listed projects is the highly controversial Jadar lithium project in Serbia, which has faced massive public opposition and protests due to environmental and governance concerns. Critics warn that the project threatens water sources and fertile land, with many citizens expressing deep distrust in the Serbian government’s ability to enforce environmental safeguards.

By labeling Jadar as strategic, the EU effectively grants it a seal of approval, ignoring the lack of rule of law in Serbia and the problems with the implementation of laws and regulations by Serbian authorities, and ignoring intense domestic opposition.

Activists and students involved in the pro-democracy movement argue that the EU’s endorsement undermines democratic voices and risks fueling Euroscepticism in the region. With Serbia’s government under pressure from ongoing protests and corruption allegations, the EU's move is seen as politically damaging and potentially destabilizing.

On this topic, the Heinrich Böll Foundation published an e-paper in March, as well as a recent analysis by Serbian political scientist Bojan Elek.

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