Global Gateway: critical raw materials, connectivity and Europe’s strategic choices

Securing access to critical raw materials (CRM) has become a central priority for Europe’s green transition, industrial competitiveness and climate ambitions. Global Gateway’s flagship initiatives reflect an effort to combine responsible extraction, regional integration and local value creation with more resilient supply chains for Europe. These include the G7-backed Lobito Corridor, which links Central African copper belts to Atlantic ports, as well as CRM partnerships in Central Asia and value chain development for lithium and copper in Chile and Argentina.

By financing connectivity, strengthening production capacity and lowering barriers to market access, European investments can support development and climate objectives and, in principle, open markets and supply relationships for Europe.

This Lab session offers a first assessment of how Global Gateway projects are contributing to improved access to CRM. What are their short- and medium-term prospects? And how successful are they in striking the balance between open, respectful, eye-to-eye partnerships and safeguarding Europe’s interests in an increasingly competitive global environment? Our panel also addresses the potential interaction between EU connectivity engagement and rival actors.