In June 2025, the European Commission approved the Jadar lithium and boron mining project in Serbia, led by Rio Tinto, as a “Strategic Project” under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). Although the decision does not constitute an official environmental consent, it implies full alignment with EU’s environmental, social, and governance standards. However, the realities on the ground in Serbia paint a contrasting picture marked by democratic decline, weakened environmental governance, and broad societal opposition.