BRUSSELS, 2 June 2026 - Europe now has many of the technologies needed to improve battery recycling, but stronger political coordination and industrial deployment are required to scale them, according to experts gathered at the joint final conference of the EU-funded FREE4LIB and RESPECT projects
The conference comes as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on imported critical raw materials and implement new battery sustainability requirements under the EU Battery Regulation. The transition towards climate neutrality and sustainable mobility is accelerating demand for batteries across Europe. As the deployment of electric vehicles and energy storage systems increases, ensuring the sustainable management of end-of-life batteries has become a strategic priority for Europe. The recycling and recovery of critical raw materials are essential to reducing dependency on imports, strengthening resource security, and supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Battery Regulation.
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