The European Commission has added a cluster of German battery and recycling initiatives to its second list of Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a move published in the Official Journal on 22 October 2026. The decision — formally adopted by the Commission on 9 October 2026 — names 46 projects across the EU intended to strengthen processing and recycling capacity for materials used in electric vehicles and other green technologies.

Which German projects made the cut

The annex to the Commission decision explicitly lists several German battery‑chain projects: the EU BEST STRAT “Battery Economical Sustainable (Recycling-) Technology” project promoted by cylib Production I GmbH (a recycling entry); HyProMag GmbH, a rare‑earths for magnets recycling project in Pforzheim; the Zinnwald Lithium Project (an integrated lithium project); and an AMG Lithium‑promoted hub in Bitterfeld described as a “European Lithium Refining and Recycling Hub”. The Official Commission annex names these projects by promoter and location.

The Commission’s 9 October press materials say the second list covers projects across 16 Member States and includes a substantial share of recycling and processing projects — a deliberate industrial policy tilt designed to raise Europe’s domestic capability for battery‑grade lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and rare earths. The Commission describes the selection as supporting the EU’s 2030 capacity benchmarks under the CRMA.

What the status actually gives projects

Strategic Project recognition does not automatically deliver cash, but it is intended to accelerate permitting and coordination among national authorities, and to prioritise projects in dialogues about EU support instruments. The Commission’s Q&A and press material make clear that recognition is an administrative designation: any financing or permit acceleration remains subject to separate processes. The Commission estimated the 46 projects would require roughly €21.1 billion in capital to reach operation, but noted that project recognition and funding are distinct steps.