Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to Oslo today.
I aim to share my vision for how politics and the mineral industry can collaborate to make Europe cleaner, more competitive, and resilient.
This discussion is timely due to recent geopolitical shifts. The EUs decision to rearm marks a significant change.
Global competition for resources, including raw materials, is intensifying. These materials are crucial for security and competitiveness and are key to decarbonization.
Challenges exist due to resource rarity and geopolitical tensions. The extraction of minerals contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting our environment and security.
We must work with partners to find solutions. The Clean Industrial Deal, presented recently, aims to boost Europes competitiveness with a focus on circularity.
Circularity is vital; Europe uses 8 billion tons of raw materials annually, with a small fraction from recycling. We need to transition from linear production to a circular economy.
Efforts must focus on stimulating demand for circular products, analyzing waste streams for recycling potential, creating supportive regulations, and promoting investments in circularity.
The Circular Economy Act, planned for 2026, will integrate these efforts. Enhancing mineral supply chains is also crucial for Europes security.
We need sustainable domestic extraction and processing of raw materials while maintaining high environmental standards.
Strategic partnerships with reliable global allies, such as Norway, are essential for strengthening supply chains.
It is our role as policymakers to create an enabling regulatory environment while allowing businesses to innovate.
This summit is crucial for fostering dialogue and innovation in the EU and the Nordics.
As the world changes, we must remain united for competitiveness, resilience, and security. Lets rise to the challenge together.
Thank you. Tack.