EU backs 46 minerals projects to avert China trade war

· Trade · European Union · China

The EU is 'pulling out all the stops' to fend off an imminent potential trade crisis with China, industry commissioner Stéphane Séjourné said, as the bloc announced backing for 46 strategic projects including lithium and rare earths plants. The move aims to reduce Europe's dependence on Chinese supplies of critical minerals amid simmering trade tensions. The projects are part of the EU's push to secure raw materials for its energy transition and technology industries.

Why it matters：Securing critical minerals is central to Europe's industrial strategy and its push to de-risk from China.

Key points

  • The EU backed 46 strategic minerals projects.
  • Projects include lithium and rare earths plants.
  • The aim is to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies.

Sources (original reporting)

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