The EU must enable more sustainable mining and develop its supply of critical raw materials if it is going to build environmentally friendly technologies and achieve its carbon-cutting goals, according to MEPs.

Hildegard Bentelel MEP said all forecasts predict that demand for critical raw materials will increase with the transition to green technologies.

"We must therefore build the political framework to enable sustainable mining in Europe and in non-EU countries."

The European Parliament said the EU needs to improve its "strategic autonomy and resilience" regarding the supply of critical raw materials by creating a secondary market for recycled resources.

This would mean sourcing critical raw materials from within the EU and its neighbours. Sources for these materials will need to be diversified, and more research should focus on "sustainable alternatives."

Additionally, it called upon EU member states to stockpile critical raw materials to secure supplies and future trade agreements to include specific provisions.