EU plans push for rare earths independence

Brussels will unveil measures to reduce the EU's reliance on China for critical raw materials next week, aiming to bolster supply security across automotive, clean energy and semiconductor industries.
The Economic Security Doctrine includes ResourceEU, a plan to build mining, extraction, processing and stockpiling capacity across Europe and partner countries. Beijing's recent export curbs on rare earths have accelerated the push.
EU officials propose an immediate allocation of about €3 billion to the 25 most urgent projects from a 60-project list, targeting rare earths, gallium, germanium and lithium, while seeking longer-term financing via the European Investment Bank and the Global Gateway investment scheme.
Industry leaders warn funding, price guarantees and fast-track permitting are essential to attract private investment; options under consideration include guaranteed minimum prices and investment guarantees similar to recent U.S. deals.
Recycling and a pilot joint stockpile mechanism are planned to shorten timelines while new mines are developed. Securing overseas supplies in Brazil, South Africa and Australia is underway, but competitors such as the U.S., Japan and Australia are moving faster.
Officials acknowledge structural challenges: materials are harder to substitute than fuels and China currently dominates extraction and processing expertise, so rapid, coordinated public-private action will be required.