This week, the European Union (EU) formalized a multi-billion-dollar action plan, dubbed RESourceEU, which is not only an industrial policy but also a declaration of economic war and a bold geopolitical maneuver.

In a decisive action that puts economic security at the heart of its continental strategy, Brussels has launched a direct offensive to secure its autonomy in critical raw materials and end China's dangerous quasi-monopoly.

This measure is interpreted as Brussels' response to Beijing's move, which TRADE & TRAIL detailed last week: the agreement launched by China with several developing countries to further consolidate its control over the mining and processing of these essential minerals.

The European Commission has announced the mobilization of approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion) over the next year. These funds, which come from European programs and the European Investment Bank (EIB), will be used to finance and accelerate strategic projects for the extraction, refining, and recycling of key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and, above all, rare earths.

The Heart of the Strategy: Reducing Vulnerability

The plan has a clear sovereignty goal: to reduce dependence on a single country (China) to a maximum of 65% of annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030.

This measure responds to Beijing's use of “economic coercion.”

The Vice-President of the Commission, Stéphane Séjourné, has said it plainly:

“Europe is responding to the new global geopolitical situation and asserting its independence in terms of critical raw materials. The cost of independence is high, but probably much lower than that of dependence, especially in times of crisis.”

The EU imports more than 90% of its rare earth magnets from China, which are essential components for the electric vehicle, defense, and digital technology industries. Breaking this chain is synonymous with ensuring European security and technological leadership.

National Projects, Continental Impact

The capital injection is intended to financially decouple key projects along the supply chain, both within the bloc and in allied countries.

Lithium for Batteries (Germany/Spain): Priority is given to projects such as Vulcan Energy's geothermal lithium extraction project in Germany and the lithium extraction and processing plant in Las Navas (Extremadura, Spain). The Spanish project could cover up to 60% of the EU's demand for battery-grade lithium.

Cobalt and Nickel (Spain): With the reopening of the Aguablanca Mine (Extremadura, Spain) for the supply of cobalt, nickel, and copper.

Rare Earth Minerals (Greenland): Greenland Resources' molybdenum project in Malmbjerg has been highlighted as a vital strategic project, diversifying supply outside the continent but within the sphere of like-minded countries, securing the value chain.

Pilares de la Independencia Geoestratégica

The RESourceEU plan is based on three pillars that define its geostrategic nature:

1. The European ‘JOGMEC’: In early 2026, the European Center for Critical Raw Materials will be created, an agency modeled on the Japanese strategy (JOGMEC). Its mission will be to coordinate joint purchases and manage strategic reserves, acting as a shield against price manipulation or geopolitical disruptions.
2. Investment and Diversification: The €3 billion will be focused on accelerating extraction on the continent and, crucially, on securing supply ties with like-minded partner countries (Canada, Chile, Ukraine), breaking the model of dependence on a single supplier.
3. Closing the Cycle (Recycling): Restrictions on exports of permanent magnet scrap will be implemented in early 2026. The goal of boosting recycling capacity to 25% of total EU consumption by 2030 is not only ecological; it is a measure to create an inexhaustible domestic supply, exemplified by projects such as CirCular (Huelva, Spain).

🧭 The EU in the Battle for Global Power

In short, the RESourceEU plan is, in essence, Europe's response to the geopolitics of scarcity.

By mobilizing capital and setting binding targets, Brussels is shifting from being a passive actor vulnerable to blackmail to becoming an active player that sets its own supply rules.

This massive investment in resource autonomy is the basis for sustaining the EU's competitiveness in the 21st century.

The ability to control its own supply of minerals essential for digital technology and defense positions Europe as a global power with true industrial sovereignty.

The race for rare earths is the race for future power, and the EU has decided that it will not only participate, but is actively building the tools to win.

And remember..... THRE'S LIFE BEYOND TURKEY !!

🔗 Link Oficiales

Comisión Europea (Fuentes Oficiales y Plan de Acción): Ley Europea de Materias Primas Fundamentales

Preguntas y Respuestas sobre el Plan de Acción RESourceEU: Questions and answers on the RESourceEU Action Plan 

La Comisión Europea lanza el plan RESourceEU para blindar el suministro de materias primas fundamentales

Bruselas apoyará 47 proyectos de minería de materias primas críticas en Europa, 7 de ellos en España