Inside Europe Ambitious climate targets, but what's the plan?
Nov 20, 2025
Join Guy Delaunay, a DW correspondent reporting from Belgrade, and Ashish Sharma, a field reporter for DW, as they dive into Europe’s ambitious climate goals. They explore the controversial Jadar Valley lithium project in Serbia, facing protests over environmental concerns, and the community pushback against the Barroso lithium project in Portugal. Delaunay and Sharma discuss the balancing act between energy needs and local voices, highlighting the tensions in rural areas over land use and resources.
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EU's 2040 Target Has Major Caveats
- The EU Council set a binding 90% emissions reduction by 2040 but allows member states to meet 85% domestically and buy 5% via international carbon credits.
- Environmental groups fear this lets countries "buy their way out" while commissioners insist strict verification will apply.
Lithium Is Strategic But Contentious
- The Critical Raw Materials Act aims for 10% domestic extraction by 2030, boosting lithium supply for batteries and strategic autonomy.
- Serbia's Jadar lithium deposit could power one million EV batteries a year but faces fierce local opposition and legal uncertainty.
Serbia's Anti‑Mining Protests Delayed Rio Tinto
- Massive protests in Serbia opposed Rio Tinto's Jadar project over threats to agriculture and drinking water, forcing permit withdrawal.
- The constitutional court later reversed that withdrawal and Rio Tinto paused the project amid political and investor uncertainty.