S01E04 - Europe's raw materials dilemma: Between dependence and autonomy

S01E04 - Europe's raw materials dilemma: Between dependence and autonomy

Europe's green and digital transitions depend on a steady supply of critical raw materials, yet many of the minerals and metals essential for modern industry remain concentrated in a small number of countries and supply chains. As geopolitical tensions rise and global competition intensifies, securing access to these resources has become a strategic priority for Europe. In this episode of Raw Talks, Roman Stiftner speaks with Peter Handley, a leading expert on European industrial policy and critical raw materials. Drawing on decades of experience at the European Commission and beyond, Peter explains why Europe's raw materials challenge extends far beyond mining. From refining and processing capacity to investment, skills, industrial competitiveness, and geopolitical leverage, the discussion explores the structural factors shaping Europe's resilience. The conversation examines the realities behind concepts such as strategic autonomy, supply chain diversification, and industrial policy. Peter argues that while initiatives such as the Critical Raw Materials Act represent an important step forward, Europe must move faster and complement regulation with investment, financing tools, and stronger industrial coordination if it wants to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world. At the heart of the discussion is a broader question: how can Europe maintain its economic model, industrial base, and technological ambitions while reducing strategic dependencies? Peter offers a pragmatic assessment of the challenges ahead, but also a positive outlook on Europe's capacity to adapt, innovate, and build a more resilient future. RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

S01E03 - Europe’s energy transition: The raw materials challenge

As Europe accelerates its energy transition, a new strategic challenge is coming into focus: securing the raw materials needed to power a net-zero future. From lithium and cobalt to rare earths and copper, the clean energy economy depends on critical resources that are increasingly at the centre of global competition, industrial policy, and geopolitical tension. In this episode of RAW Talks, host Roman Stiftner sits down with Christian Egenhofer, Associate Senior Research Fellow at CEPS, to explore the material side of Europe’s green transition. Together, they unpack how resource dependency is reshaping energy policy, why supply chains have become a strategic priority for the EU, and what Europe must do to balance sustainability, competitiveness, and security of supply. The conversation also examines the geopolitical implications of critical raw materials, the role of recycling and circularity, and whether Europe can realistically achieve strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing global landscape. A timely discussion on the hidden foundations of the energy transition and the race to secure the resources that will define the future economy. RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

S01E02 - The geopolitics of resources: A global chess game

From lithium and rare earths to copper, cobalt, and critical minerals, raw materials are no longer just economic assets, they have become strategic tools shaping global power dynamics. In this episode of Raw Talks, host Roman Stiftner explores how access to resources is influencing international relations, trade alliances, industrial strategies, and geopolitical tensions across the world. Joining the conversation is Ed Conway, Economics and Data Editor at Sky News, and author of the best seller 'Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future'. Hebrings his perspective on the growing importance of critical resources in shaping global economies and political agendas. Together, they examine how the race for strategic materials is transforming supply chains and redefining power structures across regions and industries. As demand for critical raw materials accelerates through the energy transition and technological transformation, competition for supply chains is intensifying. Who controls the resources of the future? How are nations positioning themselves in this high-stakes race? And what does this mean for Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy? Tune in as we unpack the complex global chess game behind the materials powering modern society and discover why the future of geopolitics may increasingly be written in minerals. RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

S01E01 - Raw Materials 101: The backbone of modern society

We often describe today’s economy as digital, service-based, and increasingly immaterial. In reality, every technology and system we rely on is built on physical resources. The first episode of Raw Talks challenges the idea of a “weightless” world and highlights the material foundations of modern society. From renewable energy systems to digital infrastructure, raw materials such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements are essential to economic development, the energy transition, and technological progress. Host Roman Stiftner is joined by Dr. Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey, to examine how minerals and metals underpin key sectors and why their importance is often underestimated in policy and public debate. RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

RAW TALKS - Intro episode: Meet with the host

In this opening episode of Raw Talks (also searched as RawTalks), host Roman Stiftner, Director General of EUMICON, introduces the podcast and its mission: to unpack one of Europe’s most pressing challenges, securing sustainable and reliable access to raw materials. Get a preview of what’s ahead this season, from the basics of raw materials to global competition, circular economy solutions, and Europe’s long-term strategy. This episode sets the stage for insightful conversations with experts shaping the future of raw materials and metals. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.