Commission competitiveness report notes first sets of CRMA Strategic Projects have been selected (implementation signal)

In the Commission Communication COM(2026) 46 final (2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report), the European Commission states that the first sets of Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act have been selected. While this is not a binding legal amendment, it is an official implementation milestone that signals CRMA operationalization is advancing; this can be relevant for REE-related supply chain planning because REE permanent magnet materials fall within CRMA strategic raw materials scope and Strategic Project status can affect permitting and financing timelines for upstream and recycling projects.