Conflict of interest in nominating the Doade mine as a strategic project for the European Union

Question for written answer E-003475/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)

As the Commission is well aware, the SAMCA Group project for the Doade lithium mine was initially cancelled by the High Court of Justice of Galicia, as a result of the project's irregularities and negative environmental impact.

One of the Commission experts who assessed the 47 strategic projects was the director of the failed SAMCA Group project in Doade before becoming a Commission expert for the 47 projects. He is now director of mining at Recursos de Galicia (RDG), the public-private company that manages the mine's operations.

In light of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission not believe that a Commission expert's participation in the failed project, selection and now implementation of the Doade lithium mine strategic project taints the process and generates a questionable conflict of interest - which Galician courts have already warned about?
• 2.Will the Commission take into account this conflict of interest, which tarnishes the Doade mine strategic project and should therefore entail removal of the 'strategic project' seal?

Submitted: 8.9.2025