European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday that the European Union (EU) is working to end its dependence on rare earth elements from China.
China is a top producer and exporter of rare earths, which are important in the production of smartphones, electric vehicles and military technology.
In April, China introduced new licensing requirements for rare earth exports, a move that shocked global manufacturing sectors.
This month, Beijing announced new restrictions on rare earth exports as it seeks to take advantage of its dominant position amid an ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
The EU says the sanctions are forcing some companies in the bloc to suspend production and causing significant economic losses.
Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference on Saturday, von der Leyen said the EU was still trying to find a solution with China in the “short term”, but she warned that the bloc is “ready to use all the tools in our toolbox to respond if needed.”
Von der Leyen says EU ‘must strive for independence’
The EU’s weak position in rare earths forces Europe to “ensure secure access to alternative sources of critical raw materials for our European industries in the short, medium and long term,” he said.
Von der Leyen also said structural changes would be needed to meet the challenge.
“Whether it’s energy or raw materials, defense or digital, Europe must strive for its independence and this is our moment to do so,” he said.
The European Commission president also said that recycling would be a big part of the EU’s strategy, adding that some companies could “recycle up to 95 percent of critical raw materials and batteries.”
He said the EU will also focus on establishing partnerships with countries producing critical raw materials such as Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile and Greenland after production and processing of the critical raw materials.
Edited by: Zack Crellin