EU ‘pulling out all stops’ with minerals projects as it tries to avert China trade war

The European Union is accelerating efforts to secure its supply of critical raw materials ahead of a potential trade conflict with China, with plans to back 46 key projects aimed at boosting production of lithium and rare earths. Industry officials warn of an impending trade crisis, prompting the bloc to fast-track investments to reduce reliance on foreign sources by 2030. The move includes support for new plants and infrastructure to strengthen domestic and European supply chains. The announcement signals a major push to safeguard industrial independence in key sectors.

Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné says bloc will support 46 strategic projects including lithium and rare earths plantsThe EU is “pulling out all the stops” to fend off an imminent potential trade crisis with China, the industry commissioner, Stéphane Séjourné, has said, as the bloc announced its backing for a string of critical materials projects.Séjourné said on Friday that the EU would support 46 new strategic projects to accelerate supplies of critical raw materials by 2030 across the bloc. Continue reading...