EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act: Sámi Rights Protection

The Stockholm Environment Institute argues that the proposed EU Critical Raw Materials Act risks exacerbating human rights breaches and 'green colonialism' against the Indigenous Sámi people in Northern Europe. While welcoming the inclusion of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for 'strategic' projects, the authors identify critical weaknesses in the act's reliance on Member State bureaucracies, certification schemes, and the lack of resources for Indigenous participation. They propose three amendments: an EU-level oversight mechanism for grievances, mandatory FPIC standards for certification schemes, and a funding mechanism to support affected rights-holders during fast-tracked licensing processes.

• The proposed EU Critical Raw Materials Act may worsen existing human rights violations and 'green colonialism' in the Sámi homeland due to the rapid increase in green transition investments. The authors warn that prioritizing mineral extraction and imposing time limits on permitting and consultation is likely to increase resistance from environmental groups and the Sámi.
• The authors identify three primary weaknesses in the draft act: first, it relies on Member State bureaucracies in Sweden and Finland that lack effective provisions for Sámi rights in mineral and environmental laws; second, it allows developers to use certification schemes that lack explicit references to FPIC; and third, it fails to provide the time or resources necessary for the Sámi to respond to fast-tracked licensing.
• To protect Indigenous rights, the Stockholm Environment Institute recommends three specific amendments: establishing an EU-level oversight mechanism to handle grievances and ensure safeguard implementation; requiring that recognized certification schemes adhere to FPIC standards; and creating a funding mechanism, potentially funded by mining companies, to support the engagement of affected rights-holders.
• In Sweden, the tension between mineral extraction and Indigenous rights is exemplified by the state-owned company LKAB's plans to exploit rare earth minerals near Kiruna, which has faced opposition from Sámi reindeer herding communities.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2023). EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act: Sámi Rights Protection. https://www.sei.org/perspectives/eus-critical-raw-materials-act-sami-rights-protection/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act: Sámi Rights Protection. 2023. https://www.sei.org/perspectives/eus-critical-raw-materials-act-sami-rights-protection/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act: Sámi Rights Protection |date=10 November 2023 |url=https://www.sei.org/perspectives/eus-critical-raw-materials-act-sami-rights-protection/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2023eus, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act: Sámi Rights Protection}}, publisher = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://www.sei.org/perspectives/eus-critical-raw-materials-act-sami-rights-protection/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }