The European Commission has launched the Raw Materials Mechanism, a dedicated matchmaking platform developed under the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, with the aim of strengthening supply security and the resilience of strategic raw material supply chains, in line with the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the RESourcEU Action Plan.

In the document “Priorities for Europe shared by Confindustria Lombardia” (paragraph 3.1), Confindustria Lombardia highlighted that the EU would create a platform for the joint purchasing of critical raw materials to reduce external dependencies.

The platform – which will be operational from March 2026 – was created with the aim of increasing the Union's industrial resilience, reducing exposure to geopolitical shocks and price risks, while simultaneously fostering greater cooperation between economic operators.

In practical terms, the mechanism allows for the aggregation of demand for strategic raw materials from companies established in the EU and connects them with European and international suppliers, investors, and storage service providers. Through this system, the Commission intends to facilitate the conclusion of offtake agreements and promote forms of industrial collaboration, including joint purchasing, investment consortia, and joint initiatives along the value chain.

The Raw Materials Mechanism covers all 17 strategic raw materials identified by the CRMA, broken down into over 150 products, and is structured into thematic rounds with different objectives. On one hand, the so-called diversification rounds are aimed at meeting the immediate needs of European companies intending to reduce their dependence on concentrated supplies. On the other, the rounds dedicated to project development aim to support initiatives still in the development phase, facilitating access to commercial and financial partners and helping to de-risk investments in the medium to long term.

From March 2026, the focus will begin with rare earths, strategic raw materials for batteries and the defence sector.
Participation is reserved for entities registered on the platform and does not entail any obligation to participate in individual calls or any membership costs.

The Commission therefore encourages potentially interested companies to proceed with registration now, so as to complete the validation process in good time, receive updates on upcoming initiatives, and make an informed assessment regarding potential involvement in future rounds.

Further information is available on the dedicated page.

To read and/or download the document: Priorities for Europe shared by Confindustria Lombardia

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