Serbia is set to see widespread protests this weekend in response to a new lithium mining deal signed with the EU, with concerns about history repeating itself. The deal, signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Serbian President Aleksander Vucic, aims to reduce the EU’s dependency on China, which produced the most electric cars in 2023. Germany’s ambition to build 15 million electric cars by 2030 is driving the need for the lithium, but over half of the Serbian population opposes mining in the Jadar Valley.
The plans for lithium mining have faced opposition in the past, with protests in 2021 bringing parts of Belgrade to a standstill before plans were withdrawn. However, the Serbian Constitutional Court overturned this decision earlier this month, leading to the signing of the new deal in July. Rio Tinto, the company involved, hopes to begin extracting lithium by 2028.
The controversy surrounding the deal extends beyond environmental concerns, with some viewing it as a political move by the EU to keep the dirty work of mining lithium outside of its own borders. While lithium can be found in other European countries, the focus on Serbia has sparked outrage. As mass protests loom, it remains to be seen how this deal will impact both Serbia and the EU as a whole.
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