Europe’s ambitions for climate neutrality, digital leadership, economic competitiveness, and strategic security all depend on one essential foundation: raw materials. From electric vehicles and semiconductors to renewable energy systems and defence technologies, the resources that underpin modern society have become a defining geopolitical and industrial challenge.

In this season finale of Raw Talks, Roman Stiftner speaks with Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, Germany), about how Europe can strengthen its resilience in an increasingly competitive world. Together, they explore the political realities behind strategic autonomy, the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act, Europe's international partnerships, and the balance between domestic production, recycling, and responsible global sourcing.

The conversation also examines what Europe must do to turn political ambition into industrial reality from accelerating investment and permitting to building trusted partnerships and securing long-term competitiveness. Looking beyond today's challenges, this episode reflects on the choices that will shape Europe's economy, security, and prosperity for decades to come. A forward-looking discussion on why Europe's future will ultimately be built not only on innovation, but on the materials that make innovation possible.

RAW TALKS (also searched as RawTalks) is a podcast series produced by EUMICON.

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