From RFI · · 1m 30s
New Caledonia seeks EU lifeline for nickel industry
The French Pacific territory signed a strategic partnership with the European Union to diversify markets and investment for its struggling nickel sector, though concrete funding and projects remain uncertain.
In brief
The French Pacific territory signed a strategic partnership with the European Union to diversify markets and investment for its struggling nickel sector, though concrete funding and projects remain uncertain. New Caledonia and the EU signed a strategic partnership on nickel supply to strengthen European industrial…
EU and New Caledonia sign nickel deal
New Caledonia signed a strategic partnership with the European Union on Tuesday in Nouméa, aiming to open new markets and investment for its struggling nickel industry.
What the agreement covers
The memorandum of understanding sets out cooperation on raw materials, cleaner production and investment. European Commission executive vice-president Stéphane Séjourné signed alongside New Caledonia's President Milakulo Tukumuli and government member Alcide Ponga.
Europe's strategic interest
Séjourné said New Caledonia could become a pillar of Europe's effort to diversify nickel supplies, particularly by forging closer links with the battery sector. Fifteen other countries have similar agreements with the EU.
“a pillar”
Framework without guarantees
The deal provides a framework for cooperation but does not guarantee the purchase of New Caledonian nickel or immediate investment.
Broader EU investment planned
The EU committed nearly thirty-two million euros to New Caledonia's energy transition since two thousand twenty-three.
Political divisions over strategy
Pro-independence Kanaky NC group boycotted the Congress session, criticising the decision to proceed without consulting elected members. They said the nickel strategy should be developed locally with provinces, Congress, customary authorities and industry operators.
Here's the gist
New Caledonia and the EU signed a strategic partnership on nickel supply to strengthen European industrial sovereignty, but no purchase guarantees or immediate investment were secured.
