MEPs Want to Suspend EU-Rwanda Deal on Sustainable Value Chains for Critical Raw Materials
13 February 2025 – Brussels
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for the suspension of the EU-Rwanda deal on sustainable value chains for critical raw materials. The deal, which was signed in 2023, aims to establish a partnership between the EU and Rwanda to promote sustainable mining and processing of critical raw materials, such as cobalt and coltan.
However, MEPs have expressed concerns about human rights abuses in Rwanda, including the arbitrary detention and torture of political opponents. They have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of mining in the country, particularly the deforestation of protected areas.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs called on the European Commission to suspend the deal “until such time as the Rwandan authorities have taken concrete steps to improve their human rights record.”
The resolution also called on the Commission to provide financial support to Rwanda for the development of sustainable mining practices and to ensure that human rights standards are respected throughout the value chain.
The EU-Rwanda deal is part of a broader EU strategy to secure access to critical raw materials, which are essential for a wide range of industries, including renewable energy, defense, and electronics. Rwanda is a major producer of cobalt, a critical raw material used in batteries for electric vehicles.
The suspension of the deal could have a significant impact on the EU’s supply of critical raw materials. However, MEPs have argued that human rights and environmental concerns must be prioritized over economic interests.
The European Commission has said that it will consider the resolution adopted by MEPs and will take appropriate action.
Additional information:
- The EU-Rwanda deal on sustainable value chains for critical raw materials was signed on 25 October 2023.
- The deal provides for the establishment of a joint task force to monitor the implementation of the partnership.
- The deal is part of the EU’s broader strategy to secure access to critical raw materials, which are essential for a wide range of industries.
- Rwanda is a major producer of cobalt, a critical raw material used in batteries for electric vehicles.
- The suspension of the deal could have a significant impact on the EU’s supply of critical raw materials.
Press release – MEPs want to suspend EU-Rwanda deal on sustainable value chains for critical raw materials
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