Critical Raw Materials in the Western Balkans
19.05.2026
17:30 - 19:30
oiip
Währinger Strasse 3/12, 1090 Wien
Presentation and discussion of new publications on raw materials mining in the Western Balkans
The global energy transition demands not just new technologies, but fair, transparent, and sustainable resource management. Yet, too often, local communities are left to bear the costs while benefits flow elsewhere.
Explore the current state of the mining affairs in the Western Balkans and how it fits into the EU enlargement agenda, decarbonization and development plans. Recent analyses from the region highlight growing local resistance and environmental concerns over ongoing extraction projects, warning of a danger of authoritarian extractivism.
Join us for a dynamic discussion on resource management in the Western Balkans, where we’ll explore:
- What we are extracting
- Who benefits
- Who decides
- Who pays the price?
Panelists:
Frauke Seebass
SWP Brussels, BiEPAG
Pippa Gallop
CEE Bankwatch
Marko Kmezić
University of Graz, BiEPAG
Vedran Džihić
Austrian Institute for International Affairs, BiEPAG
Moderation:
Selma Šehović
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung SOE
The discussion is followed by a networking over finger food and drinks.
