Brussels – The EU is strengthening cooperation with New Caledonia to diversify supplies of critical raw materials. The European Commission and the government of the French overseas territory have signed a memorandum of understanding in Nouméa to develop a strategic partnership in sustainable raw materials supply chains, with a particular focus on nickel, for which the archipelago is one of the world’s leading producers. The agreement brings the number of strategic partnerships signed by the EU in this sector to 17 since 2021.
The agreement was signed by the Executive Vice-President for Industry, Stéphane Séjourné, the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Milakulo Tukumuli, and the Government Minister for Energy and Mining, Alcide Ponga. In 2024, New Caledonia accounted for 3.1 per cent of global nickel production, a strategic resource for numerous European industrial sectors.
The partnership covers five areas of cooperation: economic and industrial integration of supply chains, promoting investment, infrastructure development, vocational training, and collaboration in research and innovation. The aim is to strengthen local production capacity and create value in the region, while ensuring high environmental and social standards, including during the closure and rehabilitation of mining sites.
“Our ambition is clear: to make New Caledonia a preferred supplier for European industry,” said Séjourné, emphasising the need to build a shared industrial future that goes beyond simply securing nickel supplies to also promoting investment and employment. Following the signing, the parties will draw up a roadmap outlining concrete actions involving the Member States, the European Investment Bank and the industrial sector.
The agreement is part of the European strategy to reduce dependence on foreign supplies of critical raw materials, which are considered essential for the Union’s competitiveness and economic security. Brussels aims to strengthen the resilience of supply chains through 46 new strategic projects, as part of efforts to diversify supplies and mitigate the risks associated with concentration of supply.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
