The EU is Pitting Mining Interests Versus Water Health

On December 3rd, the European Commission unveiled the “RESourceEU Action Plan,” a massive strategy aimed at breaking Europe’s dependence on China for the critical raw materials needed for electric vehicles and defense systems. With 3 billion Euros in immediate funding and a promise to “fast-track” mining projects, the EU is moving into the era of industrial policy. But hidden in the fine print is a controversial proposal that has flown largely under the radar: a commitment to revise the Water Framework Directive by 2026.
This episode of On Point looks behind the headlines to explore the trade-off between resource security and environmental protection, as mining companies are pushing to weaken water safeguards. It covers concerns regarding the “militarisation” of the Green Deal and why the EU is at risk of socialising environmental costs while privatising profits.
As Europe faces increasing water scarcity, is the quest for lithium and rare earths about to make the problem worse?
* EU-Wasserstrategie: Kampf ums kühle Nass (https://www.nd-aktuell.de/artikel/1191656.europaeische-union-eu-wasserstrategie-kampf-ums-kuehle-nass.html)


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Видео The EU is Pitting Mining Interests Versus Water Health канала On Point. News. Background. Analysis.