Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Overview

Supports the establishment of an EU-wide expert network on critical raw materials to strengthen policy-making, improve data and knowledge, and align with the Critical Raw Materials Act. Targets consortia with expertise across raw materials value chains, including exploration, recycling, substitution, and market analysis.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, associated countries, OECD countries, African Union Member States, MERCOSUR, CARIFORUM, Andean Community, or countries with EU strategic partnerships or trade agreements on raw materials. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries are excluded.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 12,500,000 EUR. Eligible costs are reimbursed via a lump-sum mechanism.

What Is Funded

• Strengthening an EU expert network covering all raw materials screened in the 2027 criticality assessment.
• Expertise in primary/secondary resources, production, recycling, substitution, market analysis, supply risk management, environmental footprint, and socio-economic impacts.
• Development of updated data and fact sheets for screened raw materials, finalized by 2029.
• Organization of expert validation workshops (2029) and in-depth workshops on strategic metals for renewable energy, e-mobility, aerospace, and security.
• Coordination with the European Commission on policy alignment and data sharing.
• Clustering activities with other relevant projects for cross-project cooperation.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Not explicitly specified, but expertise across the entire raw materials value chain (TRL 1-9) is implied.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-09-21
• Deadline: 2027-02-01

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Data and information produced must be shared with the European Commission free of charge.
• Clustering activities with other projects, including joint meetings and communication events.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-award.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, associated countries, OECD countries, African Union Member States, MERCOSUR, CARIFORUM, Andean Community, and countries with EU strategic partnerships or trade agreements on raw materials. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must align with the Critical Raw Materials Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1252).
• Fact sheets for screened raw materials must be finalized by 2029, with potential publication in 2030.
• Participation is restricted to entities not controlled by non-eligible countries.