Now the EU Parliament has voted its proposals for the EU’s new Minerals Act (CRMA), whose purpose is for the EU to become more self-sufficient in raw materials that are considered necessary in the so-called green transition.
The idea is that it will be easier to get permits for mines within the EU. But an amendment to the legislation was to introduce FPIC at the same time. The principle of free and informed prior consent in the law. It primarily aims to give indigenous peoples greater rights to control their own lands.
This upsets KD politician and EU parliamentarian Sara Skyttedal:
“The big question is what happens when FPIC is now thrown into the critical raw materials act, given that the principle in the EU context can be interpreted as the right to veto”, writes Sara Skyttedal in a written response to SVT Sápmi.
Consultation is important
The EU parliamentarian Erik Bergkvist (S), was one of those who voted to introduce FPIC together with, among others, the Green Party, the Left Party and the Liberals. He believes that it is important to have a good dialogue with the local communities and Europe’s indigenous peoples.
– We have to find the best possible processes for a consultation before possible mineral extraction both with indigenous people and the local population, says Bergkvist.
Works against the direction of the party
Sara Skyttendal believes that the Social Democrats’ actions by supporting the proposal make it more difficult for new mines in Sweden.
“I conclude that the actions of the Social Democrats risk making it more difficult for the mining industry and diluting contradictions, such as between non-business Sami miners and business Sami”, writes Sara Skyttedal to SVT Sápmi.
Now Skyttedal believes that the Social Democrats’ EU parliamentarians are working against the direction of the party, which has previously spoken positively about mines. But Bergkvist does not agree.
– That is definitely not my opinion, says Erik Bergkvist.
In February, a decision will be made whether FPIC will be included in the EU’s new mineral law or not.