Strategic designation, accelerated permitting and accountability under the Critical Raw Materials Act

Abstract The EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aims to secure supply chains for the green and digital transitions through the designation of ‘strategic projects’ and accelerated permitting procedures. While it does not formally amend EU environmental legislation, it reshapes the conditions under which environmental assessment is applied in practice. This article examines the interaction between the CRMA and the EU's environmental assessment framework, focusing on the Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Directives. It argues that the CRMA functions as a coordinating and prioritising instrument that intervenes before environmental decision‐making and influences the conduct and effectiveness of assessments. Drawing on legal analysis and a case study of the Covas do Barroso lithium project, the article shows how procedural acceleration may affect participation, scrutiny and environmental protection, raising broader questions about the effectiveness of EU environmental law.