Athens, Greece – March 27 2025 - The Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Stéphane Séjourné, visited METLEN's "Aluminium of Greece" plant in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia (central Greece), to mark its inclusion in the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) list. This investment in gallium production is the only Greek project featured in the list.
Mr. Séjourné was accompanied by the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, and the Head of the European Commission Representation in Greece, Ms. Niovi Ringou.
Mr. Séjourné stated: "It is vital for the Commissioners' body, the European Commission, to change the pace at which decisions are made in the European Union and to strengthen projects that reduce our dependencies. This project, this new production line, was chosen because it will cover 30% of European production needs. It is significant not only for Greece but also for the European Union, and I believe the Greek Government and local authorities have embraced it. Greece can play a vital role in critical raw materials, positively impacting local employment and wealth creation. Currently, Europe depends 98% on imports outside the continent for gallium and 87% for alumina. We aim to foster European sovereignty and therefore fully support this project. I am working closely with my colleague, the Greek Commissioner Mr. Tzitzikostas, to approve three projects (Germanium, Scandium, and Gallium). It is beneficial for Greece, potentially for employment, and demonstrates this capability in Europe is vital for Europe. Meeting 30% of aluminum needs is significant amid geopolitical tensions globally. It benefits both Europe and Greece, and I thank the Greek Government and the team here at the European Commission for working on this project."
This visit acknowledges the investment's importance, not only for METLEN but also for the European and Greek industry. Greece is becoming a strategic hub for metallurgy and critical raw materials in Southeast Europe, enhancing the country's industrial role and the strategic autonomy of the European Union.
Mr. Theodorikakos noted: "METLEN's investment in gallium production is a strategic and iconic investment for both the Greek and overall European economy. I congratulate Mr. Mytilineos for this significant and innovative investment. The Ministry of Development actively supports this investment, having recently legislated and established the appropriate framework for investments in critical raw materials in our country. The Ministry's relevant committee has already designated this investment as emblematic, and all necessary procedures to support it are underway. Empowering the industry is crucial for shaping a new productive model for our economy. It’s a national necessity, as it’s the only way to a sustainable and balanced economic growth across all regions of Greece, reducing regional and social inequalities. EU funding for productive industrial investments and innovation must multiply to significantly impact European economic competitiveness and maintain the European social status quo."
Welcoming Mr. Séjourné, Mr. Evangelos Mytilineos, Chairman and CEO of METLEN, gave a tour of the historic plant. In his greeting, Mr. Mytilineos stated: "It has been over three years since we tried to invite a Commissioner from Brussels to visit our plant, explain what we do here, how we do it, and how we see the future. Today, we have the honor to host the Executive Vice President Mr. Séjourné, who is here to see how we will produce the much-needed gallium for Europe – and the world – during these geopolitically turbulent times. I want to emphasize the fact that this plant is always on the innovation side, at the forefront of competitiveness, which is exactly your portfolio, Commissioner: sustainability – decarbonization, and competitiveness. But allow me to say something: competitiveness for a metallurgical plant in Europe means energy. Energy is an issue that has not yet received the attention it deserves from the Commission. Therefore, with your presence here – for which I warmly thank you – I ask you to use your power and influence to change the Commission's mindset and transform the industry."
The inclusion of METLEN's integrated project – encompassing bauxite mining, alumina plant expansion, and annual production of 50 MT of gallium – in the list of 47 Strategic Projects of the CRMA (from 170 candidates) underscores the critical significance of these materials for European industrial self-sufficiency and supply security. This recognition paves the way for faster licensing, access to EU funding tools, and enhanced institutional support, making the investment a benchmark for Europe's new industrial map.
