Europe’s raw material crisis demands faster permits, warns K+S CEO
Dr. Christian H. Meyer, CEO of K+S, has backed the EU’s RESourcEU Action Plan to strengthen Europe’s supply of critical raw materials. He now urges policymakers to turn these plans into fast, practical measures. His calls for regulatory reform have gained support from the German government.
The RESourcEU Action Plan, proposed by the EU Commission, aims to speed up approvals for raw material projects. New permitting procedures are expected by the first half of 2026. Meyer, however, stresses that these changes must come sooner to avoid further delays.
Currently, approvals for vital mining and extraction projects in Europe often take more than ten years. Meyer argues that such lengthy processes threaten Europe’s ability to secure its own resources. He wants faster rules not just for critical raw materials but for all domestic mineral and metal production.
The German government has signalled agreement with Meyer’s push for quicker industrial permitting. A national action plan for domestic fertilizers, including potash and high-purity salt, is also set to be revealed by mid-2026. This plan aims to cut dependence on foreign suppliers.
Meyer warns that without urgent reform, Europe risks losing existing production capacity. He highlights the need to protect industries like fertilizers and salt, which are essential for economic independence.
The EU’s RESourcEU proposals and Germany’s upcoming fertilizer strategy mark steps toward reducing reliance on imports. But Meyer insists that faster permitting is critical to keeping production running. Without swift action, he warns, Europe’s raw material security could remain at risk.
