The Aluminum Factory of Greece Metlen Energy & Metalsin Agios Nikolaos, Boeotia, was visited today (27.3.2025) by its Executive Vice President European committeeMr. Stefan Cézourne, on the occasion of the inclusion in the list of strategic projects of the EU’s critical raw materials (CRMA) regulation (CRMA) of Metlen’s investment for the production of Galli, which is the only Greek investment in the list.
During the visit to the Metlen Energy & Metals plant, Mr. Sezourne was accompanied by the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, as well as the head of the European Commission delegation in Greece, Mr. Niovi Ringou.
Mr. Sezurne He said: “It is very important for the House of Commissioners, the European Commission, to change the pace at which it sees things, change the pace at which decisions in the European Union are made and to strengthen projects that are important to the European Union, which will reduce our dependence. And we have chosen this project, this new production line here, because we can cover 30% of European production, of European needs. It is also an important work for Greece, not only for the European Union, and I think they have emphasized this and I see that the Greek government has embraced it, but also by local bodies and local government, because Greece can thus play a very important role in critical raw materials and of course.
He also said: “Today, Europe depends on 98% of exports outside the European continent, in terms of various mining products, while for alumina it depends by 87% again on foreign sources outside the European Union. We want to have the policy on European sovereignty and therefore it is a great desire to support this project. I work hard and closely with my colleague, Greek Commissioner Mr. Tzitzikostas to support and approve these 3 projects (germanium, scandal and Gallium) and I believe it is also good for Greece, probably for employment, but also for Europe. Movement of 30% of aluminum needs is not insignificant in this particular context of geopolitical tensions around the world. Thus, it is good for both Europe and Greece and thank you very much the team here, the Greek government, and the team here in the European Commission that works in this project. “
This visit is a practical recognition of the importance of the investment, not only for Metlen, but also for the whole of European and Greek industry, with Greece now consolidated as a strategic hub of metallurgy and critical raw materials in Southeast Europe, enhancing the country’s industrial role and strategy.
Mr. Theodorikakos He noted: “Metlen’s investment in the production of Galli is a strategic and emblematic investment for Greek and the European economy as a whole. I would like to congratulate Mr Mytilineos on this very important and innovative investment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Development supports this investment in practice, as it has recently legislated and created the appropriate institutional framework for investment in critical raw materials in our country and the relevant Committee of the Ministry of Finance. Growth has already described this particular investment iconic. “
He also noted: “At the same time, all the necessary procedures are in full swing to be supported by a decision of the Inter -Ministerial Committee on our government’s strategic investment. It is clear that boosting industry is a critical priority for shaping a new productive model for our economy. It is a national necessity because this is the only way to achieve economic growth to be viable and durable, to concern all areas of Greece and to be a growth growth. It is the only way to deal with regional and social inequalities decisively. Funding for productive, industrial investment and innovation by the European Union should be multiplied if we want to have active effects on the competitiveness of the European economy and the maintenance of the European social acquis. “
Welcoming Mr. Cézourne, Metlen’s President and CEO, Mr. Evangelos Mytilineostoured him at the factory of the historic factory. Mr. Mytilineos, in his greeting, said: “It has been over 3 years since we are trying to call a commissioner from Brussels to come to visit our factory, explain to him what we do here, how we do it and how we see the future. Today we have the honor of hosting the Executive Vice President, Mr. Sezourne, who is with us to see how we are going to produce the Gallium that Europe so much – and the world – is so in need of this geopolitical hectic period. I would like to emphasize that in this factory we are always on the side of innovation, always at the forefront of competitiveness, which is precisely your portfolio, Commissioner: Sustainability – Failure and Competitiveness. But let me tell you something: Competitiveness for a metallurgy factory in Europe means energy. And energy is an issue that so far has not received the attention of the Commission. That is why, with your presence here – for which I warmly thank you – I ask you to use all your strength and influence to change the committee’s mentality and change the industry. “
The integration of Metlen’s vertically integrated project – which includes the mining of bauxite, the expansion of the Aluminum Unit and the production of 50 MT of French per year – in the list of CRMA’s 47 strategic projects (from 170 candidates), highlights the critical importance of these materials for European industrial and security. This recognition paves the way for faster licensing, access to EU financial tools and enhanced institutional support, making the investment of a reference point for the new industrial map of Europe.