RAW TALKS

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 Tal...

Wind power is often seen as a symbol of the energy transition. Yet behind every wind turbine lies a complex industrial system built on raw materials, advanced manufacturing, global supply chains, and long-term investment. As Europe seeks to expand renewable energy capacity, the question is not only how much wind power can be installed, but also how resilient and sustainable the underlying value ch...

As Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on imported critical raw materials, recycling and urban mining are increasingly seen as strategic solutions. But how much of Europe’s resource needs can really be met by recovering materials already in circulation? In this episode of Raw Talks, Roman Stiftner speaks with Steve Art, Compliance & Sustainability Manager at Umicore, about the realities of u...

As Europe seeks to strengthen its industrial resilience and secure the raw materials needed for the green transition, mining has returned to the centre of political and economic debate. Yet while demand for critical minerals continues to grow, new mining projects often face public opposition, regulatory complexity, and lengthy permitting processes. In this episode of Raw Talks , Mikael Staffas, Pr...

Europe's green and digital transitions depend on a steady supply of critical raw materials, yet many of the minerals and metals essential for modern industry remain concentrated in a small number of countries and supply chains. As geopolitical tensions rise and global competition intensifies, securing access to these resources has become a strategic priority for Europe. In this episode of Raw Talk...

As Europe accelerates its energy transition, a new strategic challenge is coming into focus: securing the raw materials needed to power a net-zero future. From lithium and cobalt to rare earths and copper, the clean energy economy depends on critical resources that are increasingly at the centre of global competition, industrial policy, and geopolitical tension. In this episode of RAW Talks, host...

From lithium and rare earths to copper, cobalt, and critical minerals, raw materials are no longer just economic assets, they have become strategic tools shaping global power dynamics. In this episode of Raw Talks , host Roman Stiftner explores how access to resources is influencing international relations, trade alliances, industrial strategies, and geopolitical tensions across the world. Joining...

We often describe today’s economy as digital, service-based, and increasingly immaterial. In reality, every technology and system we rely on is built on physical resources. The first episode of Raw Talks challenges the idea of a “weightless” world and highlights the material foundations of modern society. From renewable energy systems to digital infrastructure, raw materials such as copper, lithiu...

In this opening episode of Raw Talks ( also searched as RawTalks), host Roman Stiftner, Director General of EUMICON, introduces the podcast and its mission: to unpack one of Europe’s most pressing challenges, securing sustainable and reliable access to raw materials. Get a preview of what’s ahead this season, from the basics of raw materials to global competition, circular economy solutions, and E...