On Friday, March 1, 2024, MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou was welcomed at the facilities of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME) in the Olympic Village by the General Director, Mr. Dionysios Goutis.
During her visit, a working meeting was held focusing on the new European Regulation for Critical Raw Materials (CRM Act). Ms. Asimakopoulou was briefed by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Konstantinos Saltas, and the General Director, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, on EAGME’s activities and the Authority’s proposed research projects to be included in the new NSRF Programming Period.
At the same time, Dr. Konstantinos Laskaridis, Director of Mineral Raw Materials and Mining, presented to the MEP EAGME’s contribution to the National Strategy for the Development and Exploitation of Greek Critical Raw Materials. Ms. Asimakopoulou also visited the newly established National Geological Museum.
Following her visit, Ms. Asimakopoulou stated: “As I wrote in the Museum’s guestbook, I am impressed by the progress made at EAGME and by its level of understanding and contribution to achieving the EU’s goals for critical raw materials and Europe’s strategic autonomy. I believe that Greece, which already takes the lead in European initiatives, should also highlight the important national work of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and EAGME in this field, setting an example of best practice for the sustainable exploitation of critical raw materials.”
For his part, EAGME’s General Director, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, noted: “We were pleased to welcome Ms. Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou to EAGME. We had the opportunity to present a series of innovative research initiatives aimed at the development and utilization of Strategic and Critical Raw Materials. As the Rapporteur of the European People’s Party and Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Trade, Ms. Asimakopoulou has been a strong advocate in the European Parliament for promoting Greece’s role in Critical Raw Material production — a role that is crucial for supporting the Green Deal and advancing the Circular Economy across Europe.”