European Commission update: second CRMA strategic projects selection round closes; 160+ applications including REE permanent magnet projects

The European Commission reported that the second selection round/call for Strategic Projects under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) has closed, with 160+ project applications. The update notes that 21 applications focus on rare earth elements (REEs) for permanent magnets. For compliance and supply-chain teams, this signals CRMA implementation progress and helps identify which REE/magnet projects may obtain (or be seeking) Strategic Project status, which can influence permitting timelines, due-diligence assumptions, and sourcing/ramp-up planning for REE permanent magnet supply chains.