| Summary: | The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) is an important instrument for the European Union in securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the green transition. This thesis critically examines the CRMA's implications for sustainability, particularly in the European Arctic. The balance between the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability are assessed. The key finding of the thesis is that economic growth, and thus the economic aspect of sustainability, is prioritized when trade-offs between the different aspects of sustainability have had to been made. The CRMA's stakeholder engagement and public participation seem insufficient from the social justice aspect. Inclusion of indigenous knowledge and governance systems in decision-making processes are important tools in ensuring a just transition and in the CRMA they are overshadowed by the economic and efficiency perspectives. The CRMA has the potential to perpetuate historical injustices and exacerbate existing inequalities which need to be considered. By adopting a more holistic approach to sustainability, the EU could better align its green transition goals with its core values of democracy and human rights.
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