Germany’s chancellor praises lithium deal with Serbia that could reduce Europe’s dependency on China

Associated Press

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has praised a tentative deal between the European Union and Serbia that paves the way for the disputed excavation of lithium. It’s a mega project that could reduce Europe’s dependency on China but one that has been fiercely criticized by environmentalists and opposition groups. Scholz on Friday attended a “critical raw materials summit” in the Serbian capital where a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Serbia’s government was signed. It’s a “strategic partnership” on sustainable raw materials, battery supply chains and electric vehicles.