Electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating demand for battery recycling and second-life applications to reduce environmental impacts and secure access to critical materials. While the European Union has taken a leading regulatory role through the 2023 Batteries Regulation, further efforts are needed to build viable circular supply chains and a domestic recycling market.
This report examines policy and market developments, competitiveness issues and key challenges shaping battery circularity in Europe. It also identifies the conditions needed to develop an effective EU industrial ecosystem for battery recycling and reuse.
The analysis draws on findings from the BATRAW EU-funded project (2022–2026) and insights from 29 companies across the battery circularity value chain.