On 20 July the Commission presented a package of measures to accelerate the transition to low-carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy in Europe.

As the global social economic model changes, the Commission is working to keep the EU competitive and move towards a modern low-carbon economy as set by the Paris Agreement on climate change. The proposals of 20 July provide clear and fair guiding principles for the Member States to prepare for the future and to keep Europe competitive. This is part of the Energy Union and a forward-looking Climate Change policy.

The European Commission's Research and Innovation Observatory (RIO) at the Joint Research Centre has published the second edition of the RIO country reports, which assess the evolution of national research and innovation systems and identify key challenges.

Diversification of supply, improving conditions for domestic production and circular use are key to ensuring the sustainable supply of raw materials in the EU. As millions of European jobs are affected by the market conditions and the availability of raw materials, the EU needs to address its future mining potential, the growing skills shortage and innovation needs and its current import-dependency.

These are some of the key messages of the EU Raw Materials Scoreboard published by the European Commission on 14 July 2016.