Today, the EU and the Republic of Serbia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) launching a Strategic Partnership on sustainable raw materials, battery value chains and electric vehicles. The Partnership aims to support the development of new local industries and high-quality jobs along the electric vehicle value chain in full respect of high environmental and social standards while addressing the concerns of local communities with full transparency. The Partnership also provides the framework for a strong public-private multi-level engagement between the EU institutions and bodies, industrial actors, business associations, social partners, representatives of civil society, relevant ministries of interested Member States and Serbia, public organisations, financial institutions, and investors.