Estimated time of reading: ~ 6 minutes

The European Union’s economic and geopolitical landscape is increasingly defined by the convergence of two pressing challenges: the global competition for critical raw materials (CRMs) and the complex dynamics of migration. These two forces are deeply intertwined, shaping EU policy, foreign relations, and the lives of millions both within and beyond its borders.

CRMs—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—are essential to the EU’s green and digital transitions, forming the backbone of industries like clean energy, transport, and advanced manufacturing. Yet the extraction and trade of these materials are highly concentrated in a few countries, many of which experience chronic political instability, weak institutions, and ongoing conflict. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, supplies the vast majority of the world’s cobalt, often under conditions of violence and systemic exploitation. This heavy dependence creates profound vulnerabilities. It exposes the EU to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and strategic dependencies that could compromise both economic security and technological advancement.

Beyond economic concerns, the sourcing of CRMs is frequently linked to grave human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and violent conflict. The exploitation of mineral resources has been a driver in more than 40% of internal conflicts over the past six decades, according to UN estimates. Mining operations—especially in regions with poor governance—often lead to land dispossession, labor abuses, and ecological damage, triggering the displacement of local populations. Communities are forced to flee either due to direct expropriation or indirectly as a result of polluted environments and lost livelihoods. These dynamics contribute significantly to patterns of internal and cross-border migration.

At the same time, the EU’s migration policy, particularly under the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, is increasingly influenced by the realities of displacement linked to resource extraction and environmental stress. Migration flows from resource-rich but unstable regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are frequently shaped by violence, poverty, and ecological collapse—factors intensified by the global scramble for CRMs. In response, the EU has adopted a strategy centered on transactional partnerships with key countries of origin and transit. These partnerships often involve support in the form of aid, investment, or trade incentives in exchange for cooperation on migration management. Crucially, many of these same countries are also central to the EU’s CRM supply chains, blurring the boundaries between migration policy and resource diplomacy.

Efforts to stabilize and develop these regions serve a dual purpose: reducing the drivers of forced migration and securing more reliable access to raw materials. However, without robust safeguards, these engagements can inadvertently reinforce the same patterns of exploitation and instability they aim to address. The EU has sought to mitigate this risk through regulatory measures, such as the Conflict Minerals Regulation, which requires importers of certain raw materials to ensure that their supply chains do not contribute to violence or human rights abuses. This approach reflects a growing recognition that responsible sourcing is not only a moral imperative but also essential to long-term economic and social stability.

The intersection of migration and CRM policy also holds broader economic implications. Access to CRMs is vital for the EU’s strategic autonomy and industrial resilience. But economic security cannot be pursued at the expense of ethical responsibility or social cohesion. Meanwhile, migrants—particularly those with technical skills—can play a vital role in supporting sectors dependent on CRMs, from renewable energy to manufacturing, helping to address labor shortages and support the EU’s green transition. This creates a complex feedback loop in which migration is both a consequence of and a contributor to the EU’s evolving economic landscape.

The EU is also seeking to reduce its external dependencies through a more circular economy, emphasizing recycling, reuse, and resource efficiency. By recovering CRMs from end-of-life products, the EU can lessen its reliance on imports from high-risk regions, thereby reducing exposure to the economic and human costs of extractive industries abroad. This approach aligns economic resilience with environmental sustainability and geopolitical responsibility.

Taken together, the global race for critical raw materials and the management of migration represent two deeply connected dimensions of the EU’s future. Addressing them in isolation risks missing the broader picture. A coherent and integrated policy response is needed—one that promotes ethical sourcing, supports the development and stability of partner countries, aligns external action with humanitarian values, and invests in circular solutions to reduce pressure on vulnerable regions. In this way, the EU can strengthen its strategic position while advancing a vision of sustainable development, human rights, and shared prosperity.

Written by: Nenad Stekić