🏛️ EU plans strategic stockpiles for critical raw materials

Oneliner

The EU is moving forward with plans to stockpile critical materials, led by Italy, France, and Germany, to reduce dependence on China. Italy is shortlisted to host one of the first strategic storage centers, emphasizing the need for European strategic autonomy amid geopolitical tensions. The initiative aims to secure essential raw materials for industries and bolster economic resilience against supply chain disruptions caused by China's export controls.

Key points

• Italy, France, and Germany lead EU's critical materials stockpiling initiative.
• Italy is shortlisted to host one of the first strategic storage centers.
• The plan aims to reduce dependence on China for essential raw materials.
• Strategic reserves are crucial for Europe's economic and defense resilience.

Links

• Reuters: Exclusive: Italy, France and Germany to lead EU critical materials stockpiling plan, sources say
• Il sole 24 ORE: Materie prime critiche: Urso, Italia in short list per sito stoccaggio europeo - Il Sole 24 ORE
• 20minutos: El rey pide compromiso para impulsar la competitividad de la industria y reforzar la UE

Facts

• The EU's critical minerals list includes 34 raw materials, with 17 designated as Strategic Raw Materials.
• Italy is likely to host one of the first two strategic storage centers for critical raw materials.
• China's export controls on key materials have disrupted supply chains since 2023.
• The EU unveiled its plan to reduce dependence on China in December 2025.

Quotes

• Europe is surrounded by wars; shall we acknowledge that? Or do we still think we live in peace? — Adolfo Urso

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