EU Delays Labelling Lithium Toxic as Concerns From EV Industry Mount

The prospect that the European Union will classify lithium as toxic is adding to worries in the electric-vehicle battery industry that policy makers aren’t doing enough to attract investment and the EU will lose out to the U.S., an attractive destination for such companies partly thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Last week, the European Commission was set to give a final ruling on whether lithium, a crucial battery input, should be classified as a toxic substance. The commission’s scientific arm recommended that it do so.

The decision by the EU’s executive arm has now been pushed back into the new year, the second delay in as many months. Europe’s nascent battery companies are warning that investors may be drawn away from the continent to the U.S. where the IRA has created strong incentives to establish supply chains in the country.

If lithium is labeled toxic, those handling it would be subject to extra safety measures, adding millions in extra costs for prospective lithium refiners and battery makers in Europe, expenses that are absent in the U.S., China and the U.K., industry experts say.

So far, within the European battery industry, Sweden’s Northvolt AB has been one of the few victories for the EU. Northvolt operates the bloc’s flagship battery project, a gigafactory in the north of Sweden. The company is currently valued at $12 billion and is a supplier for some major car makers including Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and Volkswagen AG.

The Northvolt Ett gigafactory started producing commercial batteries in May of this year and plans to scale up to 60 gigawatts hours—equivalent to one million electric vehicles a year—by 2025/26. At least two more gigafactories in Sweden along with one in Germany are already in the works.

Northvolt has said, however, that it remains lukewarm about making further investments in Europe due to the pull of the U.S., saying that production costs are 30% lower there because of the IRA.

Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen alluded to worries about critical supply chains and the IRA. She said the EU should “simplify and adapt” its rules that limit state funding to make it easier for public investments.

For those looking to establish European battery production, the EU’s position on electric vehicles remains confusing. On the one hand, there are incentives, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act; on the other hand, the proposed classification of lithium as toxic could stifle refining projects and drive away investment.

“At a time when other nations such as the U.S. are opening their doors, taking down barriers and putting their taxpayer’s money on the line to strategically attract and build battery-metals supply chains […] Europe is putting up barriers to companies in this market,” said Richard Taylor, a founding director of Trafigura-backed Green Lithium Refining Ltd.

“If the opportunity is not attractive in Europe, companies won’t bother setting up [there],” Mr. Taylor said.

In contrast, the IRA is quite clear: promising tax credits and subsidies for American-made electric vehicles and components, while also favouring raw material supplies from countries that have free trade agreements with the U.S.

“America is doing the right thing, they are supporting this massively with the IRA,” said Lars Carlstrom, founder and CEO of two gigafactory startups, Statevolt in California and Italvolt in Italy. “We haven’t seen anything such as it, and in Europe all of a sudden when we thought we were well supported here, it is actually nothing compared with what America is now doing.”

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

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At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

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Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

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Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

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A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

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In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

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In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

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8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

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9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

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Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.