EU, New Caledonia sign strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Union and New Caledonia signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to establish a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains, the European Commission said.

New Caledonia, a French overseas territory located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia, is one of the world's leading nickel producers, accounting for 3.1% of global production in 2024.

The pact provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and the pacific territory in developing sustainable raw materials value chains and strengthening economic and industrial ties, according to a statement.

Under the agreement, the two sides will focus on five key areas, including integrating critical raw materials value chains, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, developing infrastructure, strengthening skills and training, and advancing research and innovation.

Cooperation will also cover exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling and the development of technologies to promote resource efficiency and circularity.

The agreement is the EU's 17th strategic partnership on raw materials since 2021.