On Friday, October 9, following two days of discussions in Beijing between the European Commissioner for Trade and Chinese authorities, the European Union announced a significant step in its strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese strategic metals.
Brussels is preparing to support 46 new projects in the fields of extraction, refining, and recycling of rare earths, essential metals for modern technologies. This initiative aims to diversify supply sources and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy.
These announcements come amid a rebalancing of trade relations between the European Union and China, highlighting Brussels’ intent to reduce its vulnerability to Beijing in this key sector.