ESPP workshops on phosphorus as a Critical Raw Material and on White Phosphorus (P4)
ESPP invites to workshops on phosphorus as a Critical Raw Material and on White Phosphorus (P4). The events take place
on Wednesday 19th November and Thursday 20th November
during the EU Critical Raw Materials Week in Brussels.
On 19.11. from 14:00 to 17:30, Workshop 1 will focus on “Phosphate – an EU Critical Raw Material, key to food security and agricultural resilience“. The session will explore the essential role of nutrients as agricultural inputs and their importance for food production and agricultural sovereignty. Discussions will address which nutrients are considered “critical” for EU agriculture in terms of quantitative needs, supply security, domestic production, global supply, and quality criteria. Participants will also examine the links between farm nutrient use efficiency, nutrient recycling, and overall supply security. In light of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024/1252), the workshop will question whether the EU should develop a similar framework — a Critical Agricultural Inputs Act. Finally, it will consider how the upcoming EU Common Agricultural Policy (2028–2034) could integrate nutrient security as a core priority.
On Thursday, 20th November, from 9:00 to 12:30, Workshop 2 will address the question “P4 (white phosphorus) – a ‘Strategic’ Raw Material for Europe?” Although P4 is listed as a Critical Raw Material in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024/1252) under the term “Phosphorus” (distinct from “Phosphate Rock”), it is not currently included in the sub-list of Strategic Raw Materials — those considered vital for technologies driving the green transition, such as renewable energy, digital innovation, defence, and aerospace. This omission is noteworthy, given that P4 is indispensable for numerous industrial applications, including fire safety components in electronic and electrical systems, data cables, insulation, biobased materials, aerospace technologies, as well as batteries, semiconductors, photovoltaic panels, crude oil extraction, jet engine lubricants, metallurgy, and chemical production. Despite its strategic relevance, the EU and the global market remain heavily dependent on just two suppliers: Vietnam and Kazakhstan.
Registration to participate in Brussels (limited seats available) and online registration are available and necessary. Further information on fees, registration and a detailled programme can be found on the conference website (Link below).
