91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
From the serene valleys of Western Serbia to the bustling streets of Belgrade, a controversial EU cooperation agreement has sparked heated discussions and protests. The agreement, signed by German Chancellor Olaf Schultz and the Serbian government, focuses on the excavation of lithium—a crucial mineral for making batteries in electric cars. However, this deal has not only economic implications but also raises significant environmental concerns.
The Yar Valley in Western Serbia holds the largest known lithium reserves in Europe, making it a prime target for mining. For years, this region has been a focal point of controversy, with environmentalists fearing that lithium mining will ruin the natural landscape and contaminate groundwater with heavy metals, posing a serious risk to residents' drinking water.
Back in 2021, massive protests forced the Serbian government to backtrack on plans to excavate the lithium. Thousands filled the streets of Belgrade, protesters blocked major roads and bridges, and eventually won their case. The British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto had its license to excavate the lithium revoked. However, the recent decision has reversed that outcome, allowing Rio Tinto to resume operations.
The company claims that the mine will create thousands of jobs and produce enough lithium for 1.1 million electric vehicles each year. The EU, eager to cut emissions and reduce dependence on China for natural resources, sees European lithium as a key to powering Europe's electric cars. This has led to a change of heart in Belgrade, where Serbia's new deal with the European Union includes a commitment from all sides to uphold strict environmental and sustainability standards.
Despite these assurances, not everyone is convinced. Protesters have been back on the streets in recent days, voicing their concerns about the potential ecological disaster this project could bring. One of the protest leaders, a member of the opposition, accused the government of ignoring the will of the people and had a clear message for German Chancellor Olaf Schultz: "The majority of Serbia is against this project because there is very clear evidence that this will be an ecological disaster."
The streets of Belgrade echo with calls for democracy and skepticism about the project. Many people we spoke to expressed doubts about the agreement, fearing that it will destroy nature. "Maybe this agreement will be good," said one resident, "but I don't believe in it. The European Union might provide guarantees for the project, but we're destroying nature. It will be done here because everything's cheaper here. It won't be done in Germany."
Protest organizers vow to continue their fight and make their voices heard. As the controversy surrounding Serbia's lithium mining deal with the EU continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether economic interests will prevail over environmental concerns.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook