Details
Global competition for spheres of influence is in full swing. One of the aims is to secure access to raw materials needed for the energy transition and digitalization, but also for military purposes. The European Union is striving to keep pace with China and the United States. At the same time, it is heavily dependent on raw material imports from countries in the Global South. To secure access to these, the EU has developed a number of different trade policy instruments in recent years. However, these treaties and initiatives — marketed as “equal partnerships” — do not keep their promises. Instead of advancing fair trade and the global energy transition, they exacerbate existing dependencies and colonial continuities.
Recommended Actions
The following conditions need to be met for a fair global energy and mobility transition:
- Trade agreements that serve only the interests of Europe and European businesses must be rejected.
- Partnership agreements must promote technology and knowledge transfer and the development of local value creation, and align with the development interests of the partner countries.
- Investments in the raw material and energy sectors funded through the Global Gateway must meet binding conditions.
- Stakeholders must be actively involved both in drawing up partnership agreements and in making decisions on Global Gateway projects.
- European consumption of raw materials must be slashed to minimize the pressure on sensitive ecosystems and communities in the Global South.
The circular economy and recycling of raw materials must be strengthened.
The Author:
Bettina Müller studied politics and international relations and worked in international trade policy in Argentina from 2014 to 2018. Since 2019, she has been working for PowerShift, focusing on European trade and investment policy.
