The EU needs to gain access to critical raw materials more quickly. That is why the European Commission will now accelerate work to gain access to the important raw materials that are essential for green technology and a wide range of digital products. This is what the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, says. The announcement comes in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday, after China has restricted the EU's access to rare earths.
- I will propose further measures. And I will accelerate the measures we have already proposed, says von der Leyen.
The EU and the EU countries have been hesitant for a number of years, while China has managed to get a hold of a wide range of critical raw materials. From lithium, which is essential for batteries for electric cars, to rare earths, which are essential for almost all electrical products with digital components. This means everything from kitchen appliances to advanced military equipment.
Von der Leyen: Lack of raw materials threatens green transition
The lack of access to critical raw materials threatens Europe's ability to be a leader in the green transition, says von der Leyen:
- There is a reason why China is investing massively in the green transition and batteries. They see a market opportunity. They see the future, says von der Leyen.
In recent weeks, the EU has received a frightening warning about how vulnerable European companies are to China's dominance in the area of critical raw materials. China has thus introduced export controls on rare earths.
According to the EU Commission, only around half of the applications from European companies are currently approved.
This could threaten production, jobs and ultimately the EU's ability to act independently on the world stage. That is why Europe must do more to gain access to critical raw materials, says von der Leyen.
- We cannot afford to fall into new, dangerous dependencies. We have seen what happens when a single country gains control of critical products and technologies. At any moment, our dependency can be used for pressure. Export restrictions can be introduced overnight, and companies in Europe can be forced to limit their production, says von der Leyen.
Has invited for dialogue
In addition to accelerating efforts to gain access to the important raw materials itself, the European Commission has also intensified contacts with the Chinese authorities.
The European Commission's Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, has invited Chinese representatives to Brussels in the coming days to discuss access to rare earths.
- China's restrictions on the export of rare earths are unfair and harmful. It undermines our bilateral relations, Maros Sefcovic said on Tuesday.
The meetings come at a critical time when relations between the EU and China are becoming increasingly strained. It is not only the EU that is dissatisfied.
China, for its part, is furious at the Dutch government's decision to take control of the Chinese-owned chip manufacturer Nexperia. Nexperia is based in the Netherlands but owned by China.
According to the Dutch government, the decision is because China is threatening "the protection of important technological knowledge and capacity on Dutch and European soil". In other words: Just like with rare earths, China is restricting Europe's access.
/ritzau/
Text, graphics, images, sound, and other content on this website are protected under copyright law. DK Medier reserves all rights to the content, including the right to exploit the content for the purpose of text and data mining, cf. Section 11b of the Copyright Act and Article 4 of the DSM Directive.
Customers with IP agreements/major customer agreements may only share Danish Offshore Industry articles internally for the purpose of handling specific cases. Sharing in connection with specific cases refers to journaling, archiving, or similar uses.
Customers with a personal subscription/login may not share Danish Offshore Industry articles with individuals who do not themselves have a personal subscription to Danish Offshore Industry.
Any deviation from the above requires written consent from DK Medier.
