Given the continued strategic importance of raw materials for EU industry, the Commission is implementing a wide range of actions under the EU Raw Materials Initiative to help ensure their secure, sustainable and affordable supply.

The list of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) for the EU is a central element of this Initiative. The list of CRM for the EU is subject to regular update at least every three years, in order to reflect production, market and technology developments, and the number of raw materials assessed has increased with each update.

This Communication updates the 2014 list of CRM and presents an updated list of 27 CRM for the EU as a result of a third assessment. 

This third list includes nine new materials as compared to the 2014 list of CRM: Baryte, Bismuth, Hafnium, Helium, Natural rubber, Phosphorus, Scandium, Tantalum, Vanadium.

The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee on the Regions on the 2017 list of CRM for the EU is available here.