Enhancing Romania’s Strategic Integration in Critical Materials Supply Networks Via Circular Economy Approaches

In the global shift toward digitalization and decarbonization, the demand for critical and rare materials has surged, driven by their essential role in green and digital technologies—from electric vehicle batteries to wind turbines and microprocessors. The European Union, heavily reliant on imports from geopolitically sensitive regions, faces growing pressure to secure resilient supply chains and embed circular economy principles. Within this context, Romania holds strategic potential, supported by its geological resources (e.g., Rovina Valley, Baia de Fier, Budureasa’s Verde Magnesium) and untapped capacities in critical metal recycling. This article examines Romania’s potential integration into the European circular economy network for critical raw materials. Using an exploratory and applied methodology, it combines economic analysis of natural resources, a SWOT analysis, and international benchmarking of circular strategies. Relevant case studies and policy frameworks are analyzed to identify actionable best practices and strategic opportunities. The aim is to assess Romania’s capacity to contribute to the EU’s strategic autonomy, particularly in future-oriented industries. The findings are grounded in official data, scientific literature, and European Commission documents, offering insights into sustainable resource governance and economic resilience in the face of global supply challenges.