The European Union Launches the "Resource EU" Plan to Reduce Dependence on Rare Minerals from China

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Saturday that the European Union is working on a new plan aimed at ending dependence on rare minerals coming from China, amid rising trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing.

In a speech delivered during the "Berlin Global Dialogue" conference, von der Leyen explained that the new plan, named "Resource EU", comes in response to the recent restrictions imposed by China on the export of critical minerals and battery materials, which are essential for the automotive, military, and heavy machinery industries.

She added that this initiative is very similar to the "Repower EU" plan launched in 2022 to address the energy crisis following Russia's halt of fossil fuel supplies, noting that the current goal is to secure alternative sources of raw materials in the short, medium, and long term.

The plan includes strengthening partnerships with countries such as Australia, Canada, Chile, and Ukraine, along with a focus on recycling, where von der Leyen revealed that some European companies are now able to recycle up to 95% of raw materials and batteries.