US EditionEU trying to end China rare earth dependence, Von der Leyen says
- On Saturday at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled RESourceEU to coordinate joint purchasing, build shared stockpiles and finance strategic projects, warning the EU is ready to use all instruments if needed.
- This month, Beijing tightened controls on rare earth exports following its October 9 decision to expand restrictions, which Western governments link to the United States trade dispute.
- If you consider that over 90% of EU rare earth magnet use comes from China, the risks to industry are clear, with recycling capacity allowing some firms to reclaim up to 95 percent, while automotive, defence, Greentech and digital sectors face supply vulnerability.
- The controls have already ground some European production lines to a halt, prompting calls for a coordinated response as EU policymakers debate triggering the European Union's anti-coercion instrument, while Emmanuel Macron, French President, urged activating the `trade bazooka`.
- Von der Leyen said `The aim is to secure access to alternative sources of critical raw materials in the short, medium and long term for our European industries` and to speed up partnerships with Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile and Greenland, emphasizing a circular economy approach.
58 Articles
58 Articles
EU steps up efforts to cut reliance on Chinese rare earths
The European Union is developing a new plan to curb its reliance on Chinese critical raw materials, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, as she criticised Beijing for its expanded restrictions on the export of rare earths.
The European Union is trying to reduce its dependence on raw materials from China. Commission President von der Leyen announced plans for this at a conference in Berlin. The aim is to secure short, medium and long-term access to alternative sources of critical raw materials, said von der Leyen.
EU chief works out all options over China rare-earth threat
The European Commission is considering all options to counter China's tightening export controls on rare earths and battery materials, which pose a significant risk to the EU. Brussels is initially seeking solutions with Beijing but is prepared to use its most powerful trade tool, the anti-coercion instrument, if necessary, in coordination with G-7 partners.
At Berlin Global Dialogue 2025 the EU Commission President launches RESourceEU, the plan to reduce dependence on Chinese rare lands and strengthen the continent's strategic autonomy
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
