Why did Serbia and the EU sign a lithium mining deal?

Serbia and the EU struck a deal to develop a lithium mining project, securing a crucial supply for producing electric batteries.

Will Serbia's lithium exports go to the EU?

According to Vučić, Serbia’s lithium exports will go exclusively to the EU for now, despite strong Chinese interest. Serbia has been trying to join the EU since 2012, but tensions with Kosovo have delayed this. Until recently, European institutions, media and NGO’s depicted Vučić as an authoritarian ruler.

Why are people protesting about lithium mining in Serbia?

Mass protests have in particular reflected popular environmental concerns about the mine. Serbian activists labeled their government’s decision to allow lithium mining “an epic crime against people and nature”. Lithium mining consumes large amounts of water, while the extraction process can also pollute groundwater.

Why did the Serbian government halt the project in 2022?

Due to the mass protests, the government halted the project in 2022. However, in June 2024, Serbia’s Constitutional Court struck down the government’s decision, which it ruled unconstitutional and against existing laws.

What is Europe's largest lithium reserve?

Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) November 8, 2023 According to Serbian media, the Jadar mine holds Europe’s largest reserve of lithium, with potential to produce up to 58,000 metric tons of lithium annually. This is sufficient for manufacturing batteries for approximately 1.1 million electric vehicles.

Will Serbia's 'biggest investment ever' bring economic growth?

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also praised the mining project, worth €6 billion in direct investment for Serbia. The deal, “by far the biggest investment ever” in his country, will bring huge economic growth to Serbia, said Vučić.