Between Greenwashing and Governance : Unpacking EU Parliamentary Discourse on the Critical Raw Materials Act

The transition to a low-carbon society will require a significant increase in the use of critical raw materials (CRMs). These materials are essential to produce clean technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels and are the backbone of the green transition. In response, the European Union adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in 2024 with the objective of ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply of these materials. This thesis explores how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) addressed social and environmental concerns related to extractive industries during the finalization of the CRMA. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, the study examines how these concerns were presented in parliamentary debates and how they reflect broader discourses of green economy and ecologically unequal exchange. The analysis also explores how the personal experiences, political ideologies, and national interests of MEPs influence their positions in the debate. Furthermore, it compares how the key positions are represented in the final regulation. The findings suggest a prioritization of economic and strategic objectives over commitments to environmental and social sustainability. Although sustainability is frequently referenced, its meaning remains vague and flexible. However, while some MEPs advocate for stronger environmental protection and Indigenous rights, these perspectives are often overshadowed by arguments grounded in national interest and industrial competitiveness. The study highlights the contradictions within EU climate policy and raises questions about the role of sustainability in an extractivist future.