Li4Life Drives the Debate on the Future of the European Lithium Value Chain
On 18 and 19 May, Brussels hosted the Critical Materials & Battery Value Chains Europe 2026 conference, an event that brought together representatives from European institutions, industry, universities, technology centres and specialised organisations to examine the challenges and opportunities facing Europe in the development of a more sustainable, resilient and competitive lithium value chain.
Organised as part of the activities promoted by the European Lithium Institute (eLi), with the participation of the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) and the European Li4Life project, the event served as a platform for discussing the key challenges Europe faces in securing the strategic raw materials required for the energy and digital transitions.
Building a More Resilient European Value Chain
The opening session was inaugurated by Jean Paul G. de Mussy, Chief Executive Officer of the European Lithium Institute (eLi), and was attended by representatives of the European Commission and the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC).
The discussions focused on identifying the principal challenges associated with the European battery and critical raw materials value chain. Topics included material processing and recycling, as well as the technological and industrial challenges involved in advancing from raw material extraction through to lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
Experts highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of domestic industrial capabilities and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in a context characterised by growing demand for critical raw materials.
Responsible Mining and Strategic Projects
Exploration and sustainable mining featured prominently during the sessions dedicated to mineral resources. Participants examined the challenges involved in advancing new mining projects across Europe and discussed the implementation of the European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
Speakers emphasised the need to combine the development of strategic projects with high environmental and social standards in order to ensure the sustainable supply of essential raw materials for the energy transition.
Sustainability, Traceability and the Circular Economy
One of the event’s central themes was the sustainability of supply chains. Sessions explored the role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a tool for measuring the environmental impact of production processes, as well as the importance of the Digital Battery Passport in improving transparency and traceability across the sector.
Discussions also addressed the creation of circular industrial ecosystems capable of maximising the reuse and recycling of materials, thereby contributing to greater resource efficiency and reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
Li4Life and Strengthening the Lithium Value Chain
The second day of the event included a presentation of the latest developments within the European Li4Life project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Europe’s lithium value chain.
In this context, the project contributes to the development of tools, methodologies and recommendations designed to improve decision-making processes, foster collaboration among value chain stakeholders, and support the deployment of solutions aligned with European sustainability and competitiveness objectives.
The Importance of the Social Licence to Operate
One of the topics that attracted the greatest interest was the concept of the Social Licence to Operate, which is becoming increasingly significant for the development of projects related to critical raw materials.
Participants agreed that transparency, public engagement and the establishment of trust with local communities are essential elements in ensuring the success and acceptance of projects linked to lithium and other strategic raw materials.
A Shared Commitment to the Future of Lithium in Europe
Both days of the conference enabled participants to identify shared priorities for strengthening the European lithium value chain. These include:
- Promoting innovation;
- Enhancing cooperation between industry, research organisations and public authorities;
- Advancing strategic projects; and
- Consolidating high standards of sustainability and social acceptance.
The event reaffirmed the importance of initiatives such as Li4Life in contributing to a more resilient, competitive European supply chain that is well equipped to meet the challenges of the energy and digital transitions.
