As the CIRAN project moves toward its conclusion in December 2025, its commitment to building resilient and democratic approaches to resource governance remains stronger than ever. On 13 October 2025, CIRAN convened a high-level policy dialogue at the European Parliament in Brussels, focused on one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: how to implement the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in a way that is both strategically effective and socially accepted.
The event, titled “Minerals for Strategic Autonomy and Regional Development – Boosting the Critical Raw Materials Act Implementation”, was hosted by MEP Hildegard Bentele, a key figure in shaping the CRMA and currently the Parliament’s Representative on the EU Critical Raw Materials Board.
ALDA was there to bring a critical perspective to the table: the voice of citizens.
This policy event, organised by CIRAN – a Horizon Europe project focused on critical raw materials and community resilience – brought together EU policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and civil society leaders to tackle the real-world challenges of CRMA implementation. ALDA’s participation was particularly focused on presenting the outcomes and insights from citizen engagement activities conducted throughout the project.
ALDA highlighted one central message:
“Well-informed citizens can be fully contributing partners in any development process, rather than simply beneficiaries – and they certainly should never be enemies.”
This sentiment echoes ALDA’s core belief: inclusive and transparent dialogue is essential if Europe is to transition toward strategic autonomy while maintaining democratic legitimacy and social cohesion.
Key Takeaways from the Event
- There was broad consensus among stakeholders that social acceptance—not technological innovation or economic viability—is the greatest barrier to CRMA implementation.
- Tools like Community Development Agreements were seen as promising mechanisms to build trust and cooperation between communities and resource developers.
- However, the difficulties in ensuring broad stakeholder participation revealed deep-rooted polarisation in Europe’s minerals policy landscape.
- ALDA underlined that engagement must not only be invited, but also made accessible, safe, and meaningful—particularly for civil society and local communities.
The session was followed by a salon dinner, continuing the conversation in a more informal setting and reinforcing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to move forward.
The Real Challenge: Rebuilding Social Infrastructure
Despite the innovative technical and policy solutions discussed, participants agreed that none of these will succeed without a functioning social infrastructure for dialogue. ALDA stressed that efforts must go beyond information-sharing to actively empower communities in decision-making processes around raw materials and resource governance.
The 13 October session at the European Parliament was a powerful reminder: Europe’s green and digital transitions require critical raw materials—but they also require critical democratic practices.
As the CIRAN project nears its conclusion, ALDA will continue advocating for people-first governance. Social acceptance cannot be manufactured—it must be earned through genuine, inclusive, and ongoing dialogue.
Stay up to date with CIRAN’s work on community resilience and critical raw materials!
