Reject Rio Tinto: Protect Serbia

The statement from the Executive Board of the Party of the European Left condemns Rio Tinto’s lithium mining project in the Jadar region of Serbia. The project is criticized for prioritizing corporate profit over environmental responsibility, risking severe harm to water resources, agricultural lands, and biodiversity. The statement calls for sustainable development models, such as renewable energy and ecotourism, instead of extractive industries. It also criticizes the EU’s support for the project, accusing it of a neo-colonialist approach. The Party stands in solidarity with Serbian protests and urges the government to reject the project.

Statetement of the Executive Board of the Party of the European Left

For years, tens of thousands of Serbian citizens have been at the forefront of massive protests, vehemently opposing Rio Tinto’s destructive lithium mining project. Their message is clear: the health of our planet and the well-being of communities must take precedence over corporate profits.

The proposed lithium mining project by Rio Tinto in the Jadar region of Serbia is a stark example of corporate greed trumping environmental responsibility and community well-being. This project represents a dangerous trend of multinational corporations exploiting vulnerable nations for profit, while disregarding the long-term consequences for both the environment and local populations.

The Jadar project poses significant risks to Serbia’s water resources, agricultural lands, and biodiversity. The proposed mining operations could lead to widespread contamination of groundwater, soil erosion, and the destruction of fragile ecosystems. Moreover, the project’s potential negative impacts on local communities, including displacements and health risks, cannot be ignored.

Rather than relying on destructive extractive industries, Serbia should prioritize sustainable development models that promote renewable energy, agriculture, and ecotourism. By investing in a greener future, the country can create jobs, protect its natural resources, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The Jadar project is a step in the wrong direction and must be rejected in favour of a more sustainable and equitable path.

Moreover, the EU’s role in this project is equally problematic. By supporting Rio Tinto and promoting the expansion of lithium mining in the region, the EU is complicit in a neo-colonialist approach that prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of local populations. This is a stark departure from the EU’s stated commitment to sustainability and human rights.

It is imperative that we resist this destructive project. We must stand in solidarity with the Serbian people who are fighting to protect their land, water, and way of life. By opposing the Jadar mine, we can defend a more just and sustainable future for all.

The Party of the European Left stands in unwavering solidarity with the Serbian people in their struggle. We demand that the Serbian government and the EU heed their calls and reject this environmentally harmful project. It is high time that we prioritized sustainable development, environmental justice, and the rights of local communities over short-sighted corporate interests.

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