Germany and France Lead the EU Initiative to Secure Critical Strategic Materials

The European Union is strengthening its strategy for autonomy in essential materials, with Germany and France playing a leading role. According to recent reports, the EU aims to break its dependence on external supplies of critical raw materials, an increasingly urgent geopolitical priority in the current international context.

France, Germany, and Italy’s Leadership in European Action

Italy, France, and Germany have positioned themselves at the forefront of this strategic movement, promoting joint mechanisms for the storage and protection of vital resources. These three European economies recognize that ensuring access to strategic materials is fundamental for industrial competitiveness and the security of the continent. The initiative responds to growing geopolitical pressure and the need to reduce vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

RESourceEU: The Action Framework Launched in 2025

By the end of 2025, the European Commission introduced the RESourceEU initiative, a comprehensive program designed to establish a joint reserve mechanism among member states. This project includes concrete measures such as imposing restrictions on the export of recyclable metal waste and rare earth residues, aiming to keep these resources within the European market.

The strategy acknowledges that rare earths and recycled metals are key components in emerging technologies, from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems. Therefore, retaining and managing these materials within the EU is a strategic priority to ensure the continent’s technological independence.

Next Steps and Pending Implementation Details

Although the overall direction is clear, the European Commission has not yet disclosed specific details on how RESourceEU will be implemented in practice. This includes aspects such as minimum storage volumes, implementation timelines, and control mechanisms between nations.

The success of this initiative will depend on effective coordination between France, Germany, and other member states, as well as the EU’s ability to negotiate agreements with alternative suppliers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These early months of 2026 will be crucial to see how European commitments toward real self-sufficiency in strategic materials materialize.