Der Spiegel reports that the German federal government is paying an adviser to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to facilitate access to lithium from a disputed Serbian mine. Lithium is a key input for EV batteries, and Germany seeks to secure reliable supplies to support its domestic battery value chain and reduce reliance on imports from politically volatile regions. German federal government,Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his adviser,Serbian mining project operators,EU battery and automotive industries Berlin may formalize funding or partnership agreements for the Serbian lithium project,EU authorities could review the payment for compliance with state‑aid and anti‑corruption regulations,The Serbian mine may accelerate development if German backing materializes, affecting regional lithium output. The German government is reportedly compensating a close adviser of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in hopes of gaining access to lithium from a contested mine in Serbia. The move reflects Berlin’s broader strategy to diversify critical mineral supplies for its growing electric‑vehicle and battery industries. While the arrangement could bolster Serbia’s mining sector, it also raises questions about compliance with EU anti‑corruption rules and the transparency of state‑backed resource deals.
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