EU member states are seeking to develop a joint mechanism worth up to 9 million euros for purchasing critical minerals and energy, aimed at promoting the transition to green and clean energy.

Foreign media reported yesterday that the European bloc has begun the process of selecting one of eight competing companies to develop this platform, which intends to grant participants greater leverage in negotiating deals and achieving better prices for the essential critical minerals needed for the green transition.

Among the eight competing companies are major consulting firms, including Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Additionally, German companies Metalshub and Inmac submitted a joint bid.